‘Many think that we have 'tumbo kubwa' …we can't run’, Mwala MP Musyoka says, tells Kenyans to watch EALA Games

 The coastal city of Mombasa is set to spring to life as it hosts this year's EALA Games set to  begin on December 6.

More than 4,000 delegates are expected including legislators from the East African community.

Speaking to journalists in Mombasa after a consultative meeting by the steering committee led by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana and Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, the legislators said that Mombasa is ready to host the 14^th edition of the event

"I’m happy with what we have achieved in terms of preparations and I’m sure Kenya will successfully host the games. All the facilities are ready for us,"Senator Mungatana said.

"Our aim is to bring cohesion among the East African community and we believe through sports we can attain that," Mungatana added.

The MPs called on Mombasa residents to show up and witness a tournament of its kind.

"We call upon Kenyans and more so Mombasa residents to come out to see what their elected leaders can do, many think that we have 'tumbo kubwa' that we can't run, we will prove them wrong", Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka lamented.

The steering committee also has EALA MPs, Kanin Kega and Machano Ali Machano who said the push for one big East Africa community is the main aim of the games.

"We have 4 pillars that keep us going as a community, one is a common business, free transport, monetary union to bring our currency to one shop and political federation,"Kega said.

On his part, Machano Ali Machano, from Tanzania, said they expect an electrifying 2 weeks of competition among the East Africa parliamentarians.

"I’m happy for the preparations the Kenyan Government has put for the games and I’m sure Kenya is ready to host many guests, we are starting to experience the warm welcome from the residents and I’m sure everyone who will take part in this year's games will be happy too.”

With newly renovated Mbaraki Stadium set to host many of the games, the laying of Tartan is in final stages to its completion.

Aga Khan Academy and Makande Gymnasium will host the indoor games while Shaikh Khalifa, Shanzu Teachers college among other fields are lined up as training ground for the teams.

Agha Khan Academy will host netball, volleyball, basketball and darts for Persons with Disability (PWD), while Nyali Golf Club will host the golf competition.

The opening ceremony for the games will be held on December 7, 2024, and will be marked with a procession from the Office of Mombasa Governor to Mama Ngina Waterfront where speeches will be delivered.

The games that will be played include; golf, football, athletics, tug of war, netball, volleyball, basketball and darts for PWDs.