Peaceful soccer match to bolster cohesion

Melelo team won peace and unity soccer cup in a match organized by the county government of Narok in a bid to boost cohesion and integration at the troubled Melelo and Ololulunga wards in Narok South Sub County.
The winning team scored four goals against Ololulunga team that managed three goals in the friendly match played at Melelo grounds Sunday.
All the goals were scored in penalty, as the two sides went nil – nil after ninety minutes play that attracted hundreds of spectators from the two wards.
Melelo team coach Nankorua ole Keiwua was all smiles saying his team was eagerly waiting for this day as they had done enough practice and his boys had proved equal to the match.
“I am proud of my boys because though basically villagers without much exposure, they played professionally and managed to win the prestigious Peace and Unity Cup,” said the coach.
On his part, Ololulunga team coach Sameyio Ole Muyia praised his team for the effort and was optimistic that they would win in another round.
“I am happy for today’s outcome, this is a beautiful start because we have never had something of the sort before. I believe if we continue with the same spirit, these young men will rise to be national and international players,” said Ole Muyia.
Narok South Deputy County Commissioner Felix Kisalu who attended the match lauded the youth for coming together to hold such an important exercise that brought them together.
“I am happy to see youth who were fighting one another in the recent past now doing something constructive that can build their career. This is the way to go because we are all talented differently,” said Kisalu.
Early this year, Melelo and Ololulunga wards caught the attention of the media after a one-week clash that saw seven people killed, 15 persons injured and dozens of houses burnt.
The skirmishes saw the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) hold a series of meetings in the area to curb heightened tension between the Kipsigis and Maasai communities living in the area.
The fracas was caused by the theft of one cow belonging to members of the Kipsigis community who then accused the Maasai community of stealing the animal.
This in effect prompted state organs to order for an immediate disarmament of all the residents in the area where over 1507 bows, 3672 arrows and 13 spears were surrendered.
By Ann Salaton