By Betty Luke
Isiolo North MP candidate Mwenda Thuranira has launched a one-month-tournament to promote talent among the youth.
The PNU candidate said the sports tournament was part of his effort to support local talents and spearhead peaceful coexistence among communities living in Isiolo.
“We decided to bring the youth together through Mambo Fresh tournament to ensure they are engaged so as to avert indulgence in drug abuse and other criminal activities,” the politician said.
While launching the tournament at Mwangaza grounds, the aspirant accused incumbent MP Hassan Odha over what he termed as failure to support local talents including sports.
Isiolo North MP aspirant Mwenda Thuranira follows up the opening match betweeen Olympic Pirates and Quba football clubs at Mwangaza grounds on July 6, 2022. PHOTO/PRESS POINT
A total of 40 teams from seven wards in Isiolo North are participating in the competition that will end on July 31.
“Had the funds set aside under the National Government Constituency Development Fund and the county government to support the young people been properly utilized, we would have nurtured so many talents,” said Mr Thuranira.
The overall winners in the competition will be awarded Sh50,000 while the second and third best teams will take home Sh30,000 and Sh20,000 respectively.
The opening match of Isiolo North MP aspirant Mwenda Thuranira tournament at Mwangaza grounds on July 6, 2022. PHOTO/PRESS POINT
The teams have also benefited with jerseys, balls and other sporting kits to enable them fully participate in the exercise bringing to 60 the total number of the teams that have benefited with playing kits.
“We shall continue supporting the local tournaments even after elections and we urge other leaders to come on board so that we grow local talents,” he appealed after handing over Sh3.2 million cheque to facilitate the competition.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Isiolo Chair Hussein Dima lauded the program maintaining that they had not received any support from the elected leaders.
“This is the first time we have received support and the tourney will go a long way in improving talents as well as ensuring young people do not engage in crime activities,” said Mr Dima.
He appealed to the young people to vote for Mr Thuranira as he had proved to have community interests at heart.
Each of the participating team will get Sh10, 000.
Isiolo North MP aspirant Mwenda Thuranira during the launch of his tournament at Mwangaza grounds. PHOTO/PRESS POINT
Mr Thuranira promised to upgrade the local playing fields to the required standards and eject resources into supporting talents if elected in the August elections.
He has through Mwenda Thuranira Foundation offered more than 200 full scholarships to needy secondary school students, 100 customised wheelchairs to persons living with disabilities and supported dozens join technical training colleges.
Mr Thuranira is among the frontrunners in the race alongside former MP Joseph Samal (Jubilee) and incumbent Hassan Odha (Independent). A total of 16 candidates are vying for the seat.
