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Raila vows to reclaim grabbed play grounds in Nairobi

Raila Odinga

 ODM leader Raila Odinga is introduced to some of the players during the launch of the annual Koth Biro tournament at Ziwani grounds on December 4, 2021.

Photo credit: Pool |

By  John Ashihundu

Correspondent

NMG Sport

What you need to know:

  • Odinga is the main sponsor after former official sponsors SportPesa cancelled their sponsorship in 2019.

Opposition chief Raila Odinga has said he will ensure all grabbed public play grounds will be repossessed.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader was speaking at Umeme Sports Ground in Ziwani, Nairobi when he officially launched the 43rd edition of the annual Koth Biro tournament.

“All public grounds in estates including Kaloleni, Bahati, Shauri Moyo, Makongeni among others were set aside by the colonial government to keep the youth busy but some have been fraudulently obtained by private developers,” Odinga said.

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Odinga, who launched the famous tournament by scoring a penalty, beating nominated Member of Parliament Maina Kamanda in goal, said football is the most loved sport in the world and must be taken seriously by Kenyans.

“Sports is very important and football has made players become millionaires. Ziwani ground has produced many stars who went on to play for big clubs and the national team Harambee Stars. They include the late James Siang’a who played for Gor Mahia, Luo Union and the Harambee Stars. There was also Charles Ochieng’ who was arguably the best striker Kenya has ever produced. I also played here when I was young,” he said.

Rail,  who was accompanied by Kamanda, Makadara MP George Aladwa, Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris and area MCA Millicent Mugadi, among other politicians, promised to renovate Ziwani Sports Ground if elected.

A total of 46 teams divided into four zones are taking part in the tournament where four top teams will be awarded prize money, with the winners taking home Sh300,00, runners-up (Sh100,000), third placed team (Sh50,000) and Sh20,000 for the team finishing fourth.

Odinga is the main sponsor after former official sponsors SportPesa cancelled their sponsorship in 2019.

“We thank Baba for coming on board to sponsor grassroots football. This shows his love for football that has been ignored by many leaders,” said tournament official Issa Musa.