Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Mining CS Hassan Joho, with other leaders, pose for a photo with players during the Cheraa Unity Cup in Cherang’any Sub-County, Trans Nzoia County, on May 16, 2026/MINA
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Mining CS Hassan Joho on Saturday presided over the inaugural Cheraa Unity Cup in Cherang’any Sub-County, Trans Nzoia County, where they called for peace, unity and increased investment in youth talent development through sports.
The tournament, organised under the OKM Foundation, brought together teams competing in football and volleyball, with leaders describing the event as a key platform for nurturing young talent and promoting social cohesion.
Speaking during the finals, Murkomen said sports tournaments at the grassroots level play a major role in identifying talent while shielding young people from crime, alcohol and drug abuse.
“Every community has a star waiting to be discovered. Community sports tournaments help bring out these talents, promote unity and keep the youth away from negative behaviours,” said Murkomen.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, with his Interior counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen, join winners in celebration of the Cheraa Unity Cup in Cherang’any Sub-County, Trans Nzoia County, on May 16, 2026/MINA
Joho praised Murkomen for spearheading the initiative and urged leaders across the country to support sports programmes, noting that they provide economic opportunities for young people.
“Football initiatives like the Cheraa Unity Cup help steer young people away from alcohol and drug abuse while also creating opportunities for employment and growth,” Joho said.
The day’s highlight was a thrilling football final between Kapsara FC and Sibanga FC, which stretched into extra time before Sibanga FC emerged victorious.
The tournament also featured men’s and women’s volleyball matches, attracting huge crowds from across the region.
Several political leaders attended the event, among them Governor Wisely Rotich, Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula.
Also present were MPs Lillian Siyoi, Caroline Ng’elechei, Kakai Bisau, Dr Robert Pukose, Nelson Koech, William Kamket, Rael Kasiwai, Timothy Toroitich and Japheth Nyakundi, alongside former MPs Zipporah Kittony, Wesley Korir and Chris Wamalwa, as well as former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Mining CS Hassan Joho, with other leaders, pose for a photo with players during the Cheraa Unity Cup in Cherang’any Sub-County, Trans Nzoia County, on May 16, 2026/MINA
Senior government officials who attended included Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Public Works PS Joel Arumonyang, Mining PS Harry Kimtai, Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli and Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund CEO Nuh Ibrahim.
