Did you know that even members of parliament have their own sports competition? If you were not aware then right now you know.
Kenya is preparing to 320 members of parliament, Senators among other staffs in the positions of power to represent Kenya in the ninth Edition of the East Africa Community inter-parliamentary games tournament.
This many Kenyans will say bravo, but wait the main and controversial part is coming.
Throughout the 10-day tourney which begins on Saturday, December 1, and ends on December 10, the leaders are assured of a total KSh 400 million in allowances for the stay and for representing Kenya.
News that the politicians will have a fully-funded trip to attend another footballing event at the expense of taxpayers’ comes at a time Kenya is drowning in heavy debt.
The MPs will be spending the millions even as various teams including the Kenya Amputees Football team have been struggling to get funding from the government despite carrying the country’s flag in the international arena.
The Kenya men volleyball team which is the defending champions will have to put up a spirited fight against opponents in a mouthwatering match.
A tough opposition is also expected when Kenyan Parliament meets neighbours Uganda in athletics in both men and women categories while Tanzania will fight to defend the tug-of-war title at all costs.
The last edition staged in Tanzania saw nominated Kenya’s Senator Mercy Chebeny scoop gold in 400 metres clocking 1.23 minutes ahead of Uganda’s Esther Matiku. It was the same script in the Men’s 400 metres where Machakos MP Victor Munyaka and Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang came first and second respectively.
Other games include football, walking race, golf and netball.