Mwingi West MP Hon Charles Ngusya Nguna (CNN) confirmed that the Annual 19th of Hon. Nguna Cup Tournament Kicked off on Saturday. The start of this year’s edition of the eponymous tournament is a key milestone for Hon Nguna and will see 85 Men and 13 Women Teams battling for 2 Trophies. The tournament events are expected to draw thousands of fans across Mwingi West Constituency shall culminate in finals to be held on Friday 31st December 2021.

“Today, Nguna Cup 19th Edition kicked off across the Mwingi North Constituency. Soccer has the power to inspire and unite people. In Mwingi West, the game enjoys great popularity and has a particular place in the hearts of people. We have 98 teams competing for the two cups and are looking to see who will emerge victorious as we seek to Nurture Talents from the Grassroots level,” Hon Charles Nguna told the Tribune on Saturday.

The tournament which precedes his election to represent Mwingi West in Parliament enjoys huge popularity across the Constituency and seeks to nurture talents from the grassroots level. The Tournament which is individually sponsored by the MP from his own pocket is one of the oldest Tournaments in Kenya as it has been running since 1999. Last year Men and Women Champions were Eibar FC and Kairungu Ladies FC respectfully.

It was a momentous week for Hon Nguna which saw him join First Lady H.E Margaret Kenyatta on Tuesday to officially open the WU20 Athletics championship at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The Mwingi West MP’s petition for Kitui to be gazetted as an hardship area overwhelmingly endorsed by the Departmental Committee on Administration and National Security on Thursday.

On Friday, Hon Nguna toured Thitani Primary School within Thitani location to commission the newly renovated two classrooms and reroofing of One classroom fully funded by NG-CDF FY 2020-21. The MP has been celebrated across Kenya for his prudent utilization of the NG-CDF money which has seen him invest in building key infrastructure in the Constituency in answer to the needs and requests of wananchi.

Nandi County Governor H.E. Stephen Arap Sang joined other leaders in condemning how the National Government has treated the athletes who shined at the Olympics. He said it was sad as a country we did not afford athletes who excelled at the Tokyo Olympic a worthy reception as befits heroes who won Kenya medals and hoisted the National flag high at the international stage.

“Congratulations to all our heroes who made Kenya proud in Tokyo. But it is sad that these athletes did not receive the much deserved heroic reception befitting the honour they have brought to our Nation from the National Government and its agencies,” said Governor Sang.

Governor Sang, who was speaking at the reception of Tokyo Olympics Marathon Gold Medalist Peres Jepchirchir at her local church AIC Irimis Kapsabet Ward, confirmed that the Construction of the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Training facility in Kapsabet was on course and promised to expedite it to ensure athletes have training facilities

“We are expediting the construction of Eliud Kipchoge Sports Training facility in Kapsabet in order to avail the much needed training facilities to our athletes. The facility which is about 75% complete now is currently being used by our athletes for training,” added Governor Sang.

The Modern Training Camp facility being constructed by Nandi County Government at the Kapsabet Sports Grounds is geared at supporting talent development. It has been hailed as one of the flagship projects of Governor Sang Administration and “a residential camp that will be one of its own kind.”

Governor Sang and his administration have been at the forefront in supporting Athletes and making sure Nandi County lives up to its motto as “Source of Champions.” Nandi is home to the legendary Kipchoge Keino, the inimitable Eliud Kipchoge, “the greatest marathoner of the modern era”, Peres Jepchirchir, Amos Kipruto, Pamela Jelimo and Janet Jepkosgei among many other greats.

Peres Jepchirchir, the half marathon Olympic Gold medalist landed in Eldoret International Airport on Friday to heroic welcome in both in Eldoret and Kapsabet town organized by local leaders. She was accompanied by Tokyo Marathoner Amos Kipruto who dropped out of the men’s full marathon won by Eliud Kipchoge following a sizzling performance.

Nandi Governor H.E. Stephen Arap Sang handing over his gift to Tokyo Olympic Gold Medalist Peres Jepchirchir accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Cheruiyot

Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed lost her husband Khalid Hossain Ahmed on Thursday after short illness. Mr Ahmed passed on at Karren Hospital just three months after the CS lost her brother Esmael Mohamed Jibril while undergoing treatment in India.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto led CS Amina Mohammed’s cabinet colleagues in condoling with the family for the loss. “Mr Ahmed was a great person, a gentleman and a strong pillar of his family,” said President Kenyatta.

DP Ruto described Mr. Ahmed as a “a gifted businessman who was devoted to uplifting the lives of people through social responsibility initiatives.” Mr. Ahmed who stayed out of the limelight was buried later on Thursday according to Muslim Rites.