World under 20 1,500m silver medalist David Senkento Kapaiko and Enock Tuitoek led Kenyans in dominating the in athletics at the ANOCA Zone V Youth Games, held at Kenyatta University in Nairobi.
Tuitoek produced a stellar performance to secure gold for Kenya, clocking 8:01.67 to cross the finish line followed by Ethiopia’s Goytom Mekonen Kidane, who finished second in 8:03.79, while Uganda’s Kibet Michael took bronze in 8:11.46.
Field powerhouse Purity Munyalo claimed her second gold medal of the games in the girls’ triple jump final.
Following her long jump victory on the first day, Munyalo leapt to a winning distance of 12.66m, easily clear of Uganda’s Marufa Dafala (10.96m) and South Sudan’s Asumpta Philip (8.39m).
Kapaiko delivered a solid performance in the boys 800m final, crossing the line in 1:52.55 to secure another gold for Kenya. Clement Niyomuhoza, competing for the Refugee Team in Kenya, finished in 2:19.28 for second place.
Kenya capped off its gold tally in the boys 100m final, where Anthony Lemoshira powered through to win in 10.73 seconds. Lemoshira held off South Sudan’s Lul Tut Jundit (10.88s) and Uganda’s Muhwezi Abraham Lincoln (11.01s).
Lemoshira, who finished second at the World Under-20 Championships trials and failed to make the cut to the global showpiece in Eugene, Oregon, noted that he was also out to seek redemption and was not letting his injury get in his way.
“Last month I was on medication because I was unwell; I qualified to go to FEASSA, and we came back on Monday. So, my body hasn’t peaked, but I have managed to defy the odds and win. Our target was 10.60, but I’m happy with my time today,” Lemoshira said.
Meanwhile, Peter Mwaura claimed silver for Kenya in the boys 400m with a time of 50.27s, finishing just behind Uganda’s Ogenrwot Daniel, who won gold in 49.17s.
In the girls 1500m, Millicent Jepkonga fought hard to finish second in 4:39.73, earning silver behind Ethiopia’s Elsabet Amare Tilahun (4:38.17). Uganda’s Cherotwo Baskaline took bronze in 4:44.49.
Summary of Day 2 Kenyan Podium Finishes
Gold: Enock Tuitoek (Boys 3000m) — 8:01.67
Gold: Purity Munyalo (Girls Triple Jump) — 12.66m
Gold: David Kapaiko (Boys 800m) — 1:52.55
Gold: Anthony Lemoshir (Boys 100m) — 10.73s
Silver: Peter Mwaura (Boys 400m) — 50.27s
Silver: Millicent Jepkonga (Girls 1500m) — 4:39.73