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Jepkoech, Kiprop, Kaapa, Blad Babes triumph at Eastern Bingwafest

 In a spectacular celebration of athletic prowess and community spirit, BingwaFest hosted an unforgettable sports festival in Machakos County, coinciding with the vibrant Mashujaa Day festivities. This year’s event shone a spotlight on the incredible talents of elite athletes like Maurine Jepkoech and Asbel Kiprop, who were acknowledged for their exceptional elite performances.

With an electrifying prize pool of Kshs. 17 million, the competition encompassed several other disciplines including football, rugby, basketball and track events. This was the third edition of BingwaFest, following a successful outing in Nyanza just a month prior.

Over 500 athletes graced the tracks, while the action-packed three-day extravaganza included 32 football teams and 24 basketball teams, with both men’s and women’s divisions fiercely battling it out. The rugby arena saw 24 men’s and 8 women’s teams—taking part in the event.

In keeping with tradition, BingwaFest awarded equal prize money to both the men’s and women’s teams and athletes, thereby promoting gender equality in sports.

On the athletics front, Maukine, hailing from Iten, crossed the finish line in 33 minutes and 39 seconds, clinching top position in the women’s 10,000m category. Meanwhile, the legendary Asbel Kiprop sprinted to victory in the men’s category, completing the grueling 10,000-meter race in 29 minutes and 22 seconds. Both champions took home a fabulous cash prize of Kshs. 300,000.

In football, Kaapa FC soared to victory over Mass Warriors, snagging the coveted men’s title. Not to be outdone, Mass Queens showcased their skills by decisively defeating Athi River Queens to claim the women’s championship.

In rugby, Daystar Falcons decisively triumphed over Machakos University, despite the latter’s advantage of competing on home ground. In the women’s showdown, the Blad Babes delivered a masterclass against Kithimu Women’s rugby team, while the Kalotoni Women’s rugby team celebrated a commendable third place. The top rugby teams left the festival with a cash prize of Kshs. 1,000,000.

The excitement didn’t stop there! In the men’s 3×3 basketball challenge, BCG clinched victory over Prirates, taking home Kshs. 500,000. Township Ballers snagged second place, while Patrick Otango and Stephen Njoroge wowed the crowd with their jaw-dropping performances in the dunking and shooting contests, respectively. Masaku Matrix triumphed over Masaku Queens, earning Kshs. 500,000, and Marion Obunaka was acknowledged for her outstanding performance in the women’s shooting contest.

Mutua Mutava, Group CEO of Betika, expressed his enthusiasm: “BingwaFest is a remarkable celebration of talent and sportsmanship in Kenya. We take pride in being part of an initiative that not only acknowledges athletic excellence but also advocates for gender equality. Events of this nature inspire our youth and invigorate entire communities through the unifying power of sport. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming edition, which will take place in Central. For this edition and future endeavors, we have formed a partnership with Zuri Health to enhance the event by providing a complimentary medical camp to the athletes and the public.”

BingwaFest will continue to showcase vibrant talent, spirit, and camaraderie – a true testament to the power of sports.

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