Football Tournament Seen as Key Tool to Engage Youth and Curb Insecurity in Nyakach

Local leaders in Nyakach Constituency are increasingly turning to organised sports as a way of engaging young people in a region frequently affected by cattle rustling and other cross-border security challenges linked to youth idleness. 

Football took the spotlight at Urudi Primary School when residents gathered to witness the finals of the Raila Odinga Memorial Okoth Opande Cup, a tournament sponsored by Nyakach parliamentary aspirant Jonathan Okoth Opande. 

The competition, which began on November 24, concluded with an exciting final pitting Sondu FC against Nyangweno FC. 

The closely fought match ended in a draw at the final whistle before Sondu FC emerged victorious in a penalty shootout, sending hundreds of fans into celebration. 

Speaking to the crowd at halftime and during the prize-giving ceremony, Opande said the tournament was intentionally scheduled during the holiday season, a period often associated with a rise in insecurity due to idle youth. 

“Nyakach faces unique security challenges because of its location along the border. When young people lack constructive engagement, some are drawn into cattle rustling and other harmful activities,” he said. 

“Through sports, we are offering them a positive alternative that promotes unity, discipline and peace.” 

He noted that beyond competition, the tournament was designed to strengthen bonds among youths from different villages, many of whom rarely interact outside such platforms.

“When they come together on the field, they build friendships, learn respect and appreciate teamwork,” he said, adding that social cohesion is critical in tackling drug abuse, crime and other social vices. 

Sondu FC received Sh100,000 in prize money, along with a full set of uniforms and football boots for all players.

Runners-up Nyangweno FC were awarded Sh75,000, boots and uniforms, while the third-placed team walked away with Sh50,000. 

Opande said the rewards were part of a broader effort to nurture talent while instilling discipline and responsibility among young people.

 The aspirant, who has declared his intention to contest the Nyakach parliamentary seat in 2027, also used the event to call for shared responsibility in addressing insecurity, noting that the role cannot be left solely to security agencies.

 “As a community, we must create opportunities that guide our youth towards positive paths,” he said.

 “When they are meaningfully engaged through sports and other initiatives, the likelihood of them being drawn into conflict or crime is significantly reduced.” 

He added that plans are underway to grow the tournament and introduce other sporting activities to reach more young people across the constituency.

 “This initiative is about more than football. It is about investing in the future of Nyakach,” he said. 

Residents and local leaders who attended the event praised the tournament, describing it as a timely intervention that demonstrates the power of sports in promoting peace, unity and social transformation in a region long troubled by insecurity.