Kenya’s Bunge FC all pumped up for Inter-Parliamentary Games

Kenya’s Parliament football team, Bunge FC, has set its sights on clinching the football title in this year’s East Africa Community Inter-Parliamentary Games (EAC-IPG). The competition is scheduled to take place in Mombasa County from December 6 to December 18, 2024.

The games will feature multiple sports disciplines spread across various venues. The Shanzu Teachers Training College grounds will host football, athletics, and tug of war, while the Aga Khan Academy will cater for netball, volleyball, basketball, and darts for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Bunge FC captain and Embakasi South Member of Parliament, Hon. Julius Mawathe Musili, expressed confidence in the team’s chances, citing the home advantage.

“We are optimistic about winning, especially because we’ll have the support of our local fans, our twelfth man, who will inspire us to victory.

He went on, “Additionally, hosting the games in Kenya means that most of our members, who previously faced challenges traveling for away games due to work commitments, will be available. This time, we’ll have a full squad, and I’m confident we’ll bring the title home,” said Mawathe.

His sentiments were echoed by Senator for Kericho Aaron Cheruiyot who is also the assistant captain of Bunge FC.

“If there is a match I am really looking forward to, it is the game against Uganda who have really been a thorn to our flesh and it's been a long time since we last beat them. In 2022 we drew and last year they beat us 1-0 but this year we will beat them,” said Cheruiyot.

Six countries—Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya—have confirmed their participation in the games, which aim to foster stronger ties among the East African nations. The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) will also compete.