Kisii Hosts Amani Football Tournament to Foster Peace and Journalist WelfareBomet Athletics Community Mourns Loss of Kelvin Kiptum in Tragic Accident

KISII, Kenya — Journalists from Kisii and Kisumu counties recently showcased their football talents in the Amani Tournament, a sports event aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and enhancing the welfare of media professionals. The tournament, an annual collaboration between the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Kenya National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), witnessed a competitive match at Kisii School on the outskirts of Kisii town.

According to Kenya News Agency, Kisii Media FC triumphed over Kisumu Media FC with a 2-0 victory, thanks to a penalty scored by Captain Job Ongaga in the second half. However, Kisii Media FC faced a narrow defeat of 1-0 against UNESCO Youth in the final match. Angela Muchai, Acting Director of Information for the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, highlighted the tournament’s role in sensitizing the media, youth, and the public about the importance of maintaining peace within the community.

Muchai also mentioned that the event is part of the lead-up to the World Radio Day 2024 national celebrations, scheduled to take place in Kisii County. This year’s celebrations are particularly significant as they mark the centenary of commercial radio, celebrating 100 years of freedom of expression and access to information through this medium.

Victor Bwire, MCK’s Media Training and Development Director, emphasized the integral role of sports in national development and peace-building. He pointed out that the tournament serves as a platform for journalists to unite, promoting their safety and welfare. Rushdie Oudia, Nation Media Reporter and Captain of the Kisumu Media FC, praised the event for offering a valuable bonding opportunity for journalists, often subject to the pressures of field reporting. Oudia encouraged his peers to incorporate sports into their routines to safeguard their mental health.

Captain Ongaga expressed gratitude towards MCK and UNESCO for organizing the football event and advocated for continued partnership in future initiatives. In addition to the tournament, the MCK conducted training and mentorship programs for students at Kisii School and Kisii University, further enriching the World Radio Day celebrations.

BOMET, Kenya — The Athletics Kenya community in Bomet is mourning the loss of world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically died in a road accident. Bomet Athletics Kenya Chairman John Kimetto expressed his condolences to Kiptum’s family following the accident that occurred in the Kaptagat area of Uasin Gishu County at 11 p.m. yesterday.

According to Kenya News Agency, Kiptum’s death is a significant loss to the athletics world and particularly devastating for Kenya, which had high hopes for his performance in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Kimetto had anticipated Kiptum, alongside his predecessor Eliud Kipchoge, to bring home medals. The accident, which also claimed the life of Kiptum’s Rwandese coach, Garvais Hakizimana, happened as they were driving towards Eldoret. Kimetto recounted how the vehicle lost control, rolled several times, and ultimately collided with a tree, emphasizing the profound impact of this tragedy on the athletic community, the families, and fellow athletes.