It was smooth sailing for Kenyan teams after they won their opening volleyball matches as East Africa Inter-parliamentary Games entered day three in Mombasa yesterday.
Kenyan men defeated Uganda 2-0 (25-14 and 25-17) in a pulsating duel that left everyone at the edge of their seats at Makande Gymnasium.
Likewise, their women counterparts triumphed over Uganda with a similar margin to keep hopes of retaining the titles alive.
Teso North Member of Parliament Arthur Odera led Kenya's title defence campaign in the mid-morning match.
Even with the absence of former Kenyan international and Webuye Member of Parliament Dan Wanyama, Odera's leadership was evident with his crisp serves and good defence that thwarted every effort made by the Ugandans.
Odera contributed most points with his swiftness that saw Kenya bag the first set 25-14.
Uganda tried to make amends after the break, but their tactics were frustrated with every attempt.
The visitors sensed danger when Kenya opened a 9-0 gap in the second set, which prompted the Ugandans to call for a time-out.
The brief moment proved vital for Uganda as they collected five points. At this point, Kenya's head coach Gideon Chenje called for a quick time-out and reorganised the squad.
Odera used the chance to motivate the players, who were already showing some concentration lapses. They were conceding easy points, a detriment to the whole team.
The partisan crowd also played a big part in Kenya's win. They sang, danced and cheered on their team.
Others, who played for Kenya included Julius Melly (Tinderet MP), Isaac Melly (Uasin Gishu Senator), Kanini Kega (Kieni MP), John Waiganjo (Ol Joro Orok MP), Benson Mutura (Makadara), among others.
Wanyama, who opted to rest after playing in their football match against Uganda, is expected to strengthen the Kenyan volleyball squad in subsequent fixtures.
"We are optimistic of successfully defending the volleyball trophy we won last year in Kigali, Rwanda.
"Our next strong challenger will be Rwanda, who gave us a torrid moment in last year's final. We must find ways on how we will overcome them," Odera said.
Meanwhile, Kenya women team defeated Uganda 2-0 (26-24 and 25-18). In other volleyball results, Uganda beat Tanzania 2-0, while East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) picked a walkover over Burundi, who failed to raise a team.
At the same time, Burundi defeated EALA 37-21 in netball, while Kenya gave a walkover to Uganda.
Kenya lost 1-0 to Uganda in football at Mbaraki Sports Club.
