In an exciting second match of the ongoing East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Games, the Kenyan MPs Men's Basketball team triumphed over their Tanzanian counterparts with an impressive 67-38 victory on Wednesday.

The game, held at the Makupa Sports Club in Mombasa, showcased the Kenyan team’s skill, determination, and dominance on the court.

Kenya’s top scorer, Hon. Senator David Wakoli from Bungoma County, led the team with an outstanding 20 points, while Tanzania’s Hon. Benit contributed 17 points for his side.

This victory marks a strong start for the Kenyan team, who were awarded a walkover on Tuesday after their scheduled match against South Sudan was canceled due to the latter's no-show.

The win propels the Kenyan team to a promising position in the 14th edition of the competition, with the team aiming to secure the top spot.

Addressing the media after the match, Kenyan player Hon. Japheth Nyakundi assured fans that the team is determined to bring the trophy home.

 “Last year in Kigali, Rwanda, we finished second, but this time, we’re going for position one,” he said.

“With this win, we have sent a strong message to our upcoming opponents, particularly Uganda, whom we face on Saturday. Let them prepare for a tough duel.” he said.

Kenyan player Hon. Eli Letepila expressed the team's commitment to sportsmanship and community unity.

 “We will display total sportsmanship and aim to win the games that bring our community together,” Letepila said, adding with confidence, “Fear hot porridge, fear electricity, and fear the Kenyan team.”

Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, a long-time advocate for basketball development in his region, also praised Tanzania’s spirited performance.

 “We are well-prepared as a team, and with strong teamwork and the guidance of our coach, we will bag the gold,” said Wakoli.

He encouraged young Kenyans to take basketball seriously, noting the potential for scholarships and other opportunities.

He also invited Kenyans to an upcoming basketball tournament in Bungoma on 21st and 22nd of this month, promising an exciting event at Bungoma High School.

“We want to ensure that basketball continues to grow and provides opportunities for our youth,” he said.

The Kenyan team's coach, Zadock Nechenje, expressed confidence in their prospects for the gold medal.

“Kenya is the team to beat, and we’re taking gold home. We have many strategies and skills, which, although we can’t disclose now, will be evident in the coming matches,” Nechenje said.

The Tanzanian team, led by captain Priscus Tarimo from the Moshi Mujini constituency in the Kilimanjaro region, acknowledged the tough competition from Kenya.

"The game was good, and we received a strong challenge from Kenya. They were well-prepared,” Tarimo said.

Despite the loss, the Tanzanian team remains hopeful of winning the gold medal, with Tarimo adding,

“We are optimistic and looking forward to the upcoming matches.” he added.

Tanzania’s coach, Hallelujah Havalambi, expressed disappointment with the result but praised Kenya’s solid performance.

“We expected to win, but unfortunately, we lost. Kenya was excellent in their transition, winning rebounds and responding well to our first breaks. The coastal weather was challenging for us, but we will go back to the drawing board to improve and bounce back in the next game,” Havalambi said.

The match was attended by Stephen Apopo, Director at the Kenyan Speaker’s office, who highlighted the importance of the EALA Games in fostering unity and brotherhood among East African MPs.

“These games are crucial for MPs from East Africa to get to know each other, strengthen our brotherhood, and integrate as one community,” Apopo said.

With the tournament sponsored by Mchezo in full swing, both teams are eager to continue their campaigns, with Kenya aiming for the gold medal and Tanzania determined to rebound in the next round of the competition.