Onjiko High School Triumphs Over Maseno in Inaugural CS Eliud Owallo Basketball TournamentErongo Police Highlight Challenges in Gender-Based Violence Case Withdrawals

KISUMU, Kenya — Onjiko High School emerged victorious in a closely contested match against Maseno High School, with a final score of 39-37, at the first Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owallo’s basketball tournament held Saturday. The game, which took place with CS Eliud Owallo, the sponsor through the Eliud Owallo Foundation, in attendance, concluded with Onjiko, the reigning Nyanza Basketball champions, claiming victory.

According to Kenya News Agency, the tournament aimed to revitalize basketball in the Nyanza region, which has historically been a significant contributor to the national basketball team. CS Owallo, responsible for Information, Communication, and Digital Economy, highlighted the region’s legacy in producing top-notch players and the need for a resurgence in the sport’s local prominence.

During the event, Owallo called for the formation of two Nyanza-based basketball teams, one male and one female, to represent the region. He urged former basketball players, tasked with organizing the tournament, to select the best players for these teams, promising support throughout the process. “We cannot watch our teams sink to the lowest ebb but we must work to nurture fresh talent as we strive to revive this game in Nyanza,” Owallo stated, emphasizing the importance of developing new talent to regain the sport’s stature in the area.

The tournament saw participation from 26 schools across the Nyanza region, with 13 boys’ and 13 girls’ teams from counties including Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Nyamira, Kisii, and Migori. A total of 390 student-athletes took part, under the supervision of some of Kenya’s most esteemed basketball players. The Eliud Owallo Foundation provided uniforms for all participating teams, underscoring the event’s commitment to fostering sportsmanship and talent development.

Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) Director John Okwemba mentioned that scouts were on the lookout for talented players to join a team representing Kenya in the USA later this year. Onjiko’s head coach, Joseph Were, expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities and their prospects for winning the Eliud Owalo basketball trophy, despite facing stiff competition from rival teams.

ERONGO — In Erongo, the Namibian Police Force’s concern over the frequent withdrawal of gender-based violence (GBV) cases by complainants has been voiced by Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the Unit Commander for Community Policing. Despite clear instructions that withdrawals of GBV-related cases should only occur in court, there continues to be a trend of complainants retracting their accusations, leading to the release of suspects who have previously faced charges.

According to Namibia Press Agency, recent incidents in Okombahe and Swakopmund have underscored the severity of this issue. Two repeat offenders were implicated in grave crimes of murder and attempted murder, respectively, soon after being released from custody due to the withdrawal of cases by their alleged victims. In a crime report issued on Sunday, Shapumba detailed a harrowing incident occurring between 02:00 and 03:00 on Saturday in the Okombahe settlement, where a heated argument between a woman and her boyfriend culminated in the latter allegedly striking her with a rock, causing fatal injuries.

The police have lodged charges of murder and obstruction or defeating the course of justice against the 26-year-old male suspect, who attempted to erase evidence of his act. The suspect’s court appearance is forthcoming. The victim has been identified as 34-year-old Beverly Theresia Nanus, and her family has been notified.

Another case of attempted murder unfolded in Swakopmund’s DRC Informal Settlement around 18:00 on Thursday, where a 33-year-old woman was reportedly assaulted by her ex-boyfriend, sustaining stab wounds across her body and face with a bottle. She is currently receiving medical care at the Swakopmund State Hospital, while the suspect has been taken into police custody with investigations ongoing.

These incidents highlight the critical challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing GBV, with case withdrawals undermining efforts to prosecute offenders and protect victims in the region.