Mandago, Lowoi Rally Youth Against Political Exploitation as Football Tournament Ends in Moiben

By Wasike Elvis

Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago has joined football enthusiasts and residents of Karuna-Meibeki Ward in Moiben Constituency to celebrate talent, unity and community spirit during the finals of the Lowoi Football Tournament.

The tournament brought together football teams, fans, community leaders and residents for an exciting sporting event that organisers said was designed to provide young people with a platform to showcase their talents while promoting peace and cohesion.

Mandago, who attended the finals, commended the organisers for using sports to bring the community together and provide young people with constructive activities.

He said grassroots sporting programmes are important in identifying and nurturing talent, particularly among young people who may otherwise lack opportunities to develop their skills.

The senator said sports can also contribute to community unity by bringing together people from different backgrounds around a common interest.

Mandago's participation in the Lowoi tournament comes at a time when leaders and community stakeholders are increasingly calling for greater investment in grassroots sports as a pathway for youth empowerment and talent development.

The tournament organiser and sponsor, Josphat Lowoi, appreciated residents, participating teams, supporters, leaders and other stakeholders who turned up for the finals and supported the competition.

Lowoi said the tournament was not only about football but also about creating a safe and productive environment where young people can discover and develop their abilities.

He said his ambition is to nurture young talents and give them an opportunity to pursue their sporting dreams rather than allowing them to remain idle or vulnerable to negative influences.

According to Lowoi, the initiative is particularly important during the current electioneering period, when politicians may attempt to mobilise young people for political activities.

He expressed concern that unemployed and idle youth can easily be manipulated or recruited into political activities that could expose them to violence, confrontations and other forms of trouble during campaigns.

Lowoi said keeping young people engaged through sports can help protect them from being used as political tools while giving them an opportunity to build their future through talent.

He urged political leaders to avoid exploiting young people for political gain and instead support programmes that provide them with sustainable opportunities.

“We want to nurture young talents and ensure our young people have something positive to focus on, especially during this electioneering period. Our youth should not be used by politicians to cause chaos or advance political interests,” Lowoi said.

He said football provides young people with discipline, teamwork and a sense of responsibility, qualities that can benefit them both on and off the pitch.

Lowoi further called on parents, community leaders, businesses and elected leaders to support grassroots sports by providing equipment, playing facilities and financial assistance to local teams.

He noted that many talented players in rural areas lack the resources needed to progress to higher levels of competition despite possessing the ability to succeed.

The tournament therefore provided an opportunity for local players to demonstrate their skills in front of supporters and community leaders while strengthening the football culture in Karuna-Meibeki.

Mandago also encouraged young people to take advantage of sporting opportunities and remain focused on activities that can help them build successful futures.

He said the community has a responsibility to create an environment where young people can develop their talents without being drawn into activities that could jeopardise their future.

The senator praised the teams that participated in the competition and the residents for turning up in large numbers to support the players.

The finals were characterised by excitement as football fans gathered to cheer their teams, with the event also providing an opportunity for residents to interact and strengthen social ties.

Beyond the competition, organisers said the tournament was intended to promote peaceful coexistence and encourage young people to see sports as a source of opportunity and personal development.

The Lowoi Football Tournament has emerged as one of the grassroots initiatives seeking to use sport to address challenges facing young people in the area.

With the 2027 General Election approaching, organisers said such programmes could play an important role in promoting peace by keeping young people engaged in constructive activities and discouraging political manipulation.

Lowoi said he will continue supporting initiatives that give young people a platform to showcase their abilities, urging other leaders and well-wishers to join efforts to expand opportunities for youth across the region.

The event ended with calls for continued investment in grassroots football and other sporting disciplines to ensure that talent in the community is identified, nurtured and given an opportunity to grow.

For residents of Karuna-Meibeki, the tournament served as a reminder that sports can be more than just entertainment—it can be a powerful tool for youth empowerment, peacebuilding, talent development and community unity.