Sports Reporter
A flamboyant Bungoma based businessman Joseph Lendrix Waswa says his football tournament will be launched soon after its launch on Sunday was disrupted.
Lendrix Waswa (Centre) addressing the press in Lugulu on Sunday
The tournament which was to be launched at Kipsis primary school in Cheptais was disrupted by youths allegedly supporting the area Mp Fred Kapondi.
During the fracas, youths carrying crude weapons pulled down the tents, broke chairs and tables and dismantled the high table.
It is alleged that Kapondi was unhappy with the sponsor who had invited his rival Allan Chemayiek and was about to give him political bonga points.
Waswa assured players and fans that the next launch which will take place in Mt Elgin will still be bigger and better than the previous tournaments.
“Despite the political disruption, we remain unperturbed, I will continue supporting youths through sports, let political leaders support this initiative instead of fighting it, youths remain vulnerable and jobless and it is through such tournaments that they can find a job through known football clubs,” said Waswa.
His sentiments were echoed by Matulo MCA Stephen Kaiser who called on politicians to stop the fear of unknown.
“The tournament was to benefit youths and the community at large, youths are the losers in this war,” he said.
Kaiser called on the sponsor to consider relocating the launch to Matulo ward as it won’t be disrupted at all.
Lendrix (C) with Allan Chemayiek (Left)
“My youths are welcoming this tournament launch to Matulo ward, it will be a big relieve for them, I will have offered jobs to them, it will be a big success,” he said.
The winner was to bag Sh1 million, the runner up Sh500,000 while the third one was to run away with Sh250,000 plus trophies.
The tournament has been running since late last year on runners up stages where several teams from Bungoma’s 9 constituencies participated with two teams each making it to the knock out stages.
During the launch Kipsis Arrows was to take on Sirisia 1, which was a visiting team.
Other teams which were to play on Sunday included Naitiri Utd FC vs Nakalira FC at Naitiri primary school, Muji FC vs Matulo Bombers at Muji Primary, Kiyoro FC vs Compel Face at Kituni Primary school, FC Barcelona vs Umoja FC at Butondo Primary School ground.
FKF Secretary Caleb Amwayi condemned the incident
Others were Nalondo FC vs Bgm Superstars at Nalondo Stadium, Enombela FC vs Nakoba FC at Maeni primary and Sirisia 2 vs Kanzu FC at TBD.
During the finals scheduled to be played at Panpaper Stadium in Webuye town, the winning team will take home a cool Sh700,000 while the second one will bag Sh500,000 and trophies.
