TOGETHER WE STAND BUT DIVIDED WE FALL: Kenya stands tall as E Africa parliamentary games enter day three today

Kenya Parliament tug-of-war members are joined by their fellow members as they celebrate after winning the event against Tanzania Parliament during the 7th Edition of the East African Communitty Inter-Parliamentary Games at the Mbaraki Sports ground in Mombasa, December 04, 2016. Kenya won 2-0. PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD]. (BOTTOM) Kenyan Parliament runners (in red jerseys) lead Members of Paliament from Rwanda in a warm-up lap during the 7th Edition of the East African Communitty Inter-Parliamentary Games at the Mbaraki Sports ground in Mombasa, December 04, 2016. PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD]. (TOP PHOTO) Kenya Parliament tug-of-war members in action against Tanzania Parliament members during the 7th Edition of the East African Communitty Inter-Parliamentary Games at the Mbaraki Sports ground in Mombasa, December 04, 2016. Kenya won 2-0. PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

An electric atmosphere pervaded Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa at the start of the seventh edition of the East Africa Inter-parliamentary games.

The magnetic aura was punctuated with victories by participating countries, especially Kenya, who showed their opponents how it is done when it comes to athletics.

One of the best races of the day was the men’s 4x100m relay. Here, every country brought their ‘A’ game and picked their best for duty. There was no room for mistakes, none.

Kenya, who are the event’s defending champions had David Ochieng (Ugenya MP), Kanini Kega (Kieni), Wesley Korir (Cherangany) and Dan Wanyama (Webuye) as their best four.

When the starter signalled for take-off, cheers filled the stadium. For obvious reasons, the Kenyans had the best cheers. Jeers from their opponents greeted the celebrations, but the hosts cared little.

Ochieng was the first in Kenya’s battlefront. He took off with minimal trouble and his sizzling speed was a marvel to behold. His timing was superb and his grip on the baton firm.

As he sped on, the Kenyan women parliamentarians, while resting on the concrete seats in the stadium, stood and cheered their male compatriots on. Party affiliations counted for nothing here. Kenya was competing. Ochieng successfully handed over the baton to Kega, who picked up from where Ochieng left. He increased the pace and stretched the gap at the 200m mark.

He then handed the baton to Korir, who showed everyone why he is one of Kenya’s greatest marathon champions.

Korir cruised like never before. His blistering speed literally left his competitors in awe. The gap between him and the rest was quite telling as he created a comfort zone for Wanyama, who was ready to execute the final duty for Kenya. Wanyama did not disappoint. He broke the tape in 57.6 to give Kenya the deserved victory. Rivals Uganda clocked 59.4 to finish second, while Tanzania were third in 60.6.