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Ruiru constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Simon King’ara has defended his title after securing a gold medal in the men’s walking race at the ongoing 14th edition of the East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary games at Mbaraki Sports Complex in Mombasa.

In 2023, King’ara won a gold medal in the men’s walking race that took place in Kigali Rwanda.

“Ruiru MP, Hon. Simon King’ara takes gold for #TeamKenya in the Walking Race. The athletes had to endure the scorching morning sun at the Mbaraki Sports Club Mombasa,” the National Assembly stated via a statement shared through X on Friday, December 13, 2024.

“Last year, I was privileged to represent the Kenyan parliament in the EALA games that took place in Kigali Rwanda, where I secured 1st position in the men’s walking race and won a gold medal. Today, I’m very determined to defend the medal in the ongoing EALA games in Mombasa,” King’ara wrote via his Facebook account on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Apart from the walking race, other events lineup on the track today include, 800m, 400m and 200m races.

Day 1 of EAC Athletics

Uganda continued its strong showing in the men’s 1500m, taking three of the top four positions, while Kenya secured 3rd and 7th positions.

However, Kenya claimed the coveted 400m relay title. Led by Vincent Kawaya (Mwala), the Kenyan team delivered a spectacular performance. While Uganda claimed victory in the women’s 400m relay.

The neighbouring country has been doing well at the ongoing games.

The Ugandan MPs thrashed their Kenyan counterparts 3-0 on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in a football match where they showed dominance in both the first and second half.

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Tanzania and Rwanda followed in the rankings.

The East Africa Parliamentary Games entered its sixth day today, Friday, December 13.

Ruiru MP, Hon. Simon King’ara takes gold for #TeamKenya in the Walking Race.

The athletes had to endure scorching morning sun at the Mbaraki Sports Club Mombasa. pic.twitter.com/yYyzM2OzBz

— National Assembly KE (@NAssemblyKE) December 13, 2024

EAC games highlights

Kenya on Monday evening lost to Tanzania in a women’s netball match.

“There is a lot of improvement as compared to the past years when we could be scored on more than 70 goals against none,” Kenyan team captain Beatrice Adagala, the Vihiga County Women Representative, remarked after the match.

The Parliament of Kenya men’s volleyball team also lost to their Tanzania counterparts, 1-3 sets after a gruelling duel on Monday evening.

Despite Kenya’s strong display of teamwork and powerful serves, Tanzania’s strategic play and precise attacks proved decisive.

Kenya fought hard to turn the tide in the subsequent set, but Tanzania’s consistent scoring and strong defensive efforts ultimately secured their victory. In a nail-biting encounter, Kenya triumphed, securing two rounds against Uganda’s one.

Earlier, Kenya’s men faced off against Tanzania in a gripping contest. Despite their best efforts, the Tanzanian side edged them out in two consecutive rounds.

The women’s match against Tanzania also followed suit, with the visitors managing a narrow win as the red mark crossed Kenya’s centerline twice.

However, Kenya’s women legislators, led by MP Elsie Muhanda (Kakamega County), displayed determination in their clash against Uganda, but the opponents managed to emerge victorious.