EAC Inter-parliamentary Games: Tanzania whitewash Kenya in volleyball
By Kiplagat Sang, December 15, 2024
Kenya suffered a volleyball loss in the East African Inter-parliamentary Games when Tanzania claimed three sets to whitewash the rivals in Mombasa on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
The match stretched for one hour and 25 minutes as Tanzanian legislators beat their Kenyan counterparts for three sets with scores of 25-15, 25-16, and 25-15.
Jesca Kishoa’s powerful long-range shots proved to be challenging for the Kenyan team to deal with. Kenya tried to fight back but were unable to achieve it despite the resilience shown, especially by Faith Gitau.
“Beyond the competitive spirit, the match showcased the true essence of sportsmanship. Both teams displayed great comradeship and due regard both during the match and after, with the Tanzanian team remaining magnanimous even as they savoured their win, ultimately exhibiting the true spirit of sportsmanship,” a statement posted on Parliament’s social media pages read.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, said the games are a good step towards building a united East African community.
“Tanzania has triumphed over Kenya in today’s volleyball match, winning all three sets decisively. Despite the loss, the camaraderie and spirit of unity displayed by both teams remind us that this is about more than just the game. Together, we continue to strengthen the bonds that drive the East African Community forward,” he said on X.
Former Tanzanian First Lady Salma Kikwete attended the games, and in an earlier speech, she highlighted the importance of fostering strong bonds among regional legislators to drive the bloc’s collective prosperity.
“While we compete to win, our ultimate goal is to strengthen our relationships and friendship for the sake of the East African Community’s development and economic growth. Let us use sports as a platform to cultivate better relations and work together to uplift the economies of our nations,” she said.