Kirinyaga Woman Rep Njeri Maina Wins Silver In Women’s Race At EALA Games: “For Faith Kipyegon”

• When Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina chose to participate in the 200m women's race at the EALA interparliamentary games, she knew it was war
• To begin with, she is the vice-captain of the athletics team. Secondly, she comes from a country known for athletics greats like Faith Kipyegon and Eliud Kipchoge
• That urge to keep Kenya's flag flying high saw her finish the race in second place to win a silver medal

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina is beaming joyfully after coming second in the 200m women's race at the ongoing East African Legislation Assembly (EALA) games.

The EALA Games, an annual sporting event, aim to foster unity and collaboration among East African nations through friendly competition.

Njeri's win inspired by Faith Kipyegon

In an interview with TUKO.co.ke, the legislator expressed joy at the win, indicating that she had to fly the Kenyan flag high as she is the vice-captain of the athletics team.

Her other push came from Kenya being famed for producing top-notch athletes, so there was motivation to uphold the reputation.

“We may not be professional athletes, but we are trying to maintain the good name the likes of Faith Kipyegon and Eliud Kipchoge have earned for Kenya,” she said.

Beyond the medals and victories, the games provide a platform for regional leaders to connect, build relationships, and promote a sense of shared identity and purpose.

About EALA games

This year's event, the 13th in the series, is happening in Kigali City and Bugesera District under the theme "For a progressive, peaceful, and all-inclusive EAC."

Over 700 members of parliament (MPs) and parliamentary staff from EAC countries are attending the event to enhance collaboration and foster networking.

Additionally, the games serve as a platform to raise awareness among citizens of the EAC about the integration process through engaging in sporting activities.

The games feature eight sporting disciplines: football, netball, volleyball, tug of war, basketball, golf, athletics, and darts, with special provisions for participants with physical disabilities to ensure inclusivity.

Kenya drew against South Sudan

Meanwhile, the South Sudan team held Kenyan MPs to a nail-biting football match that ended in a draw at the same tournament.

Kenyan MPs, captained by Aaron Cheruiyot, secured a one-all draw against their opponents at the Pele Stadium.

After numerous misses in the first half by Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, Kenya conceded a penalty, allowing South Sudan to take the lead.

Bunge FC had a strong comeback in the second half and scored a spectacular goal in the 46th minute through Ugenya MP, Hon. David Ochieng.