Ruto calls for policy-driven leadership at Junet Mohamed Soccer Tournament finale in Migori

Dignitaries join President William Ruto on the podium during the Junet Mohamed Soccer Tournament in Suna East, Migori County, December 27, 2025. /PCS

President William Ruto on Saturday attended the closing ceremony of the Junet Mohamed Soccer Tournament in Suna East, Migori County, using the occasion to underline his administration’s political and economic agenda while celebrating grassroots sports development.

Addressing players and spectators after the final match, Ruto said the country was undergoing a political reset aimed at ending exclusion and rhetoric that had slowed national progress.

“We are reshaping our politics by eradicating discrimination and empty rhetoric that have held back our country for far too long,” he said.

He urged Kenyans to support leaders “with a proven track record, a clear vision and a credible plan for our future,” arguing that policy-driven leadership was key to sustained growth.Teams clash during the Junet Mohamed Soccer Tournament in Suna East, Migori County, December 27, 2025. /PCSPlayers vie for the ball during the Junet Mohamed Soccer Tournament in Suna East, Migori County, December 27, 2025. /PCS

Ruto linked the message to the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, saying it was designed to fast-track inclusive growth and raise Kenya’s global competitiveness.

“Through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, we are accelerating inclusive growth so that Kenya can rise to match global success stories like Singapore,” he said.

The President congratulated Radienya, the winning team, praising its consistency “from the beginning to the final whistle,” and thanked all participating teams for their effort and sportsmanship.

He said sports remained a critical pathway for youth empowerment and social cohesion, particularly at the community level.President William Ruto and the captain of Radienya, the winning team of the Junet Mohamed Soccer Tournament, hoist the trophy.President William Ruto presents the grand prize to Radienya, the winning team of the Junet Mohamed Soccer Tournament in Suna East, Migori County, on December 27, 2025. /PCSSpectators during Junet Mohamed Soccer Tournament in Suna East, Migori County, December 27, 2025. /PCS

As part of efforts to strengthen sports development in Migori county, Ruto announced that the government was constructing a Sh850 million stadium in the area.

The facility is expected to support talent identification and nurture competitive sports across the region.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who was among the leaders present, said the tournament brought together more than 77 teams from across Suna East constituency, highlighting the scale and impact of the initiative.

“Communities grow stronger when leadership steps into the game,” Omollo said, noting that the government continued to invest in youth and talent development through infrastructure.Dignitaries during the Junet Mohamed Soccer Tournament in Suna East, Migori County, December 27, 2025. /PCS

Omollo pointed to the ongoing expansion and upgrade of the 10,000-capacity Migori Stadium as part of a broader strategy to harness the region’s sporting potential.

He said such projects demonstrated sustained national commitment to grassroots sports and community development.

The event drew a cross-section of national and regional leaders, including Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and the tournament’s patron Junet Mohamed.

Blue Economy and Fisheries Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and MSME CS Wycliffe Oparanya were also present.President William Ruto is received by government officials for the Junet Mohamed Soccer Tournament in Suna East, Migori County, on December 27, 2025. /PCS

The tournament, now a regular fixture on the local sports calendar, has grown into a platform that combines competition with civic engagement, drawing attention to the role of sports in youth development and social integration in Migori and the wider Nyanza region.