A University don from Tharaka Nithi County has called on politicians to emulate sports people by desisting from violence during and after the electioneering period.
Chuka University Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Erastus Njoka has described sports events as avenues that not only bring individuals and communities together, but also promote democratic principles among the participants.
Njoka called on politicians to embrace peaceful campaigns and work together in building the county and the nation at large after the electioneering period that comes after every five years.
“Players know too well that there ought to be a winner and losers in any game or tournament and hence shake hands after the event to avoid animosity thereafter. They also do not fight during the sports events,” emphasized the VC who has expressed his interest in vying for the Tharaka Nithi Gubernatorial position in the 2022 general elections.
Speaking during a football match between Chuka university students and Rubate football club at the institution’s playground, Professor Njoka further encouraged students and all the able bodied persons in the country to embrace sports to avoid lifestyle related diseases.
“Sports activities are virtuous because the physical exercises that accompany the games enlarge the lungs enabling the body to get sufficient oxygen that is vital for a healthy human being,” said the senior university don.
He said with regular body exercises and ultimate enlargement of the lungs, the students and the working class will not suffer fatigue in their normal operating hours besides curbing the development of lifestyle diseases such as cancer and kidney diseases that seem to be on the increase.
He further disclosed that idleness among the youth is a major factor in the increase in drug abuse and consumption of illicit brews, and hence called on the Tharaka Nithi County government to promote sports by constructing more stadiums and renovating the existing ones.
“It is unfortunate that Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties are yet to produce international sportsmen and women and the renovation of stadiums will be the starting point of tapping such talent among our youth,” stressed the VC.
He said the University will support all sportsmen from Tharaka Nithi that will participate in tournaments beyond the county and sees no reason why the county government should not support such a noble course.
Njoka gave sports paraphernalia to the two teams that participated in the match.
By David Mutwiri
