Aspiring Lugari Ward MCA Ian Barasa, popularly known as Papa Iano, has launched a sport initiative aimed at bringing young people together while creating a platform for them to engage in discussions on the future leadership of the area.
The initiative kicked off on Sunday with a football tournament bringing together 24 teams from across the ward—16 men’s and eight women’s teams. Barasa said the tournament would not only provide an opportunity to scout and nurture sporting talent but also create a platform to raise awareness about issues affecting young people.
Barasa said he wants to use sports as a positive avenue for youth engagement while encouraging them to take an active role in shaping the future of their community.
Iano’s rallying call
Speaking exclusively to WKT, Barasa, a close ally of DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa and a supporter of the Linda Mwananchi movement, said his long-term ambition is to develop a football team from Lugari Ward that can rise through the ranks and eventually compete in the FKF Premier League.
He said Lugari has abundant football talent, but many promising players have been unable to progress due to a lack of proper platforms, facilities and opportunities to showcase and develop their abilities.
“We have pure talent here in Lugari. Young men and women can go far, and that is why we want to nurture them, guide them and ensure they have opportunities,” he said.
Barasa also criticised the current leadership for what he described as inadequate support for young people, saying more needed to be done to create opportunities for them. If elected, he pledged to prioritise youth empowerment through sports and other initiatives while working towards upgrading at least one football field in Lugari Ward to modern standards.
He said the improved facility would give young players a suitable environment for training and competitive matches while helping the ward build a stronger sporting culture.
Beyond competition, Barasa said sports can play a crucial role in keeping young people engaged, building their skills and creating pathways into professional careers, while also providing a constructive platform for them to discuss and participate in matters affecting their future.
Tournament kicks off
The competition opened with several matches, including Munyuki Ladies’ 4–0 victory over Muyuji Ladies and Talents FC’s 2–1 win against Green Forest FC.
Following the opening matches, the winning teams in both the women’s and men’s categories were each awarded a football as part of the tournament’s support for participating teams.
The tournament winner will receive KSh20,000, while the runners-up will take home KSh15,000 and the third-placed team KSh10,000.
The 24 teams will continue competing in the league over the next month as they battle for the top positions and the tournament’s prize money.
