Leads United and Mali Mali Ladies were crowned national football champions on Sunday evening, capping off a high-stakes, drama-filled Bingwafest finale at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.

The Nairobi-based Leads United edged out Nyanza’s Julu Nyabango 3-1 in a tense post-match penalty shootout after the two sides battled to a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

In the women’s fixture, Mali Mali Ladies staged a spirited comeback to force penalties following Elizabeth Mideva’s late equaliser, eventually clinching the crown with a 5-4 shootout victory.

Both national football winners received Sh2.5 million each, comprising Sh1.5 million in cash and Sh1 million in kind to a charity of their choice within their region. The runners-up earned Sh750,000.

In a showcase of Kenya’s grassroots sporting talent the multi-discipline Bingwafest event also featured rugby, 3×3 basketball and athletics finals.

Homeboyz won the men’s rugby title after narrowly beating Equator 07-05, while Kinale Forest dominated the women’s final with a 35-07 victory over Hunters Hill. Just like their football counterparts, the rugby champions took home Sh2.5 million.

Basketball action saw the Hawks cruise past ACES 19-11 in the women’s final, while Eastern region’s BCG clinched the men’s crown with a 17-12 win over Coast’s KNCP. Both teams secured Sh750,000 and Sh1 million in kind to a regional charity, with the losing finalists awarded Sh400,000.

Beyond team trophies, individual excellence was rewarded; Golden Boot, Golden Glove, rugby MVPs, top try scorers, dunk kings, and three-point snipers all earned between Sh30,000 and 50,000. Earlier in the week, athletes at the track shared a bumper prize pool of Sh12.1 million, with 10,000m champions Titus Kiprotich and Maurine Jepkoech each bagging Sh400,000 at the Siaya leg of the festival.

Speaking after the finals, Betika Brand Manager Eric Mwiti hailed the success of the inaugural Bingwafest, saying: “The turnout in Kisumu was fantastic. We’ve witnessed incredible talent and reaffirmed the power of sport to create opportunities, inspire youth, and impact communities positively.”

Held in partnership with Zuri Health, the event also featured a free medical camp open to all throughout the weekend.