Moiben MP Prof. Phyllis Bartoo Shines at EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games, Clinches Silver for Team Kenya

 

By Wasike Elvis 

 Moiben Member of Parliament Prof. Phyllis Bartoo delivered an impressive performance for Team Kenya at the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games held at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole, earning a silver medal in the highly competitive 1500m race.

Prof. Bartoo clocked a remarkable 8:37.8, narrowly missing the gold medal “by just a whisker,” in what she described as a near-fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

“Ever since my days at Kapkei Primary School in Moiben Constituency and Kipchawat Primary School in Elgeyo Marakwet County, I dreamt of winning gold in the 1500m,” she said after the race. “Today, that dream almost came true.”

She also put on a strong showing in the 400m race, finishing fourth with a time of 1:55.1, contributing to an overall stellar performance by the Kenyan parliamentary athletics team.

Team Kenya dominated several categories at the regional competition, clinching gold in the men’s 4x400m relay and the 100m sprint, along with multiple silver and bronze medals across different events.

In the women’s races, Busia Woman Representative Hon. Catherine Omanyo powered to gold in the 100m, while Senator Esther Okenyuri secured a commendable fourth-place finish. The women’s 4x100m relay team—featuring Hon. Irene Kasalu, Hon. Betty Maina, Hon. Esther Okenyuri, and Hon. Flowrence Jematiah—bagged silver, further boosting Kenya’s medal tally.

Prof. Bartoo expressed pride in representing Kenya and Moiben Constituency on the regional stage.

“I am proud to have been part of the athletes from the Parliament of Kenya who brought home top medals. This experience has reaffirmed my passion for athletics and the incredible talent within our nation,” she said.

The East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games continue to serve as an important platform for fostering regional unity, sportsmanship, and camaraderie among legislators across East Africa.