The County Assembly of Kiambu is this year’s overall winner of the 2021 CASA Games, 3rd Edition held in Mombasa County this past week.
The Assembly completed its streak with impressive wins at various disciplines including Chess, Draught, Table Tennis, Swimming, Squash, Darts, 8-Ball Pool, and Golf.
With only very limited time to train and prepare over the last few months, the teams went for the games half willed but were nonetheless contented to be representing Kiambu County.
In the five-day games, held at the Coastal city of Mombasa, the Kiambu County team registered for 8-ball Pool, Table tennis, Chess, Darts- Bronze, Swimming, Squash and Draught.
In the 8-ball pool contest, the team impressively swooped first prize after beating Turkana County 3 sets to nil in a nerve wrecking contest held at the Masaai- Nyali pool hall.
Team Captain Hon. Alex Kabuu was elated to have won the pool competition against Turkana, who have in the past proved to be a very strong team.
“It’s amazing I did not think we could win against Turkana, but our colleagues came to cheer us on and encourage us. We are proud to be bringing this one home!” Said Hon Kabuu.
The Pool team was represented by Hon. Kabuu, Hon. Martin Njoroge Githaiga, Hon. Lawrence Kibicha, Kennedy Karuku, Joel Kinyanjui, both staff at the Assembly.
In the Swimming and Squash category, Kiambu attained an automatic first position after teams failed to show up.
Reigning champion in the Men’s Swimming category Ken Mwiti said he had looked forward to compete with the other teams.
“The other teams did not show up and we were ready to defend our title, amidst several challenges. All the same I am happy to be retaining my title and looking forward to next years games.” Said Ken Mwiti.
At the Shanzu Teacher’s Training College, three teams were putting up a strong fight for Kiambu in Table Tennis, Chess and Draught.
The Assembly graciously attained second place position in the Table Tennis competition. Kiambu beat defending champions Nyandarua in the quarter finals, whhich led them to meeting Siaya in the Semi’s that propelled them to the final showdown against Kakamega. Kakamega took the won the competition with a 3sets to 2 win.
The team was represented by James Michire (Team Captain), Hon. Antony Ikonya, Rachael Thuku, and Beatrice Wanjiru.
“We thought we were out of shape, but we brought our A-game and got the silver. I am very happy.” Said team Captain, James Michire.
In Draught, newcomers Kiambu had a resounding victory after thrashing Vihiga 3-0 to make it to the Semi Finals against the indefatigable Machakos who beat Kiambu to make it to the Finals against the defending Champs Kwale, which managed to retain the title in this year's hotly contested match that saw Kiambu, the new kid on the block, a force to reckon with. Kiambu managed to scoop the fourth position against the fearful traditional contestant, Kisumu.
The was led by Captain Daniel Kagwanja who effectively coordinated the three-man team comprising of Mr. Alex Njogu and David Mwangi.
The Chess team was all hands-on deck towards a first-place finish, but opponents Makueni and Tana River beat them to it and attained first and second position respectively. The team was represented by Hon. Joel, Hon. Kalpesh, Isaack Waweru and Isaac from the ICT department.
Meanwhile, at the Tononoka Hotel, the Kiambu Assembly darts team attained the bronze medal after losing to Meru County.
The team was represented by Hon. Phillip Mubea, John Ichamugo (Captain), Timothy Nyaga, Miriam Waceke, Rose Kiruthi, Carol Yamu, and Godfrey Muriuki.
Finally in the golf category, Vincent Karumba was squaring it out on the greens against Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyandarua Laikipia, Kisii and Nyeri. From the first Tee, Karumba at Handicap 20 perfected his swing to attain an impressive second place after Fr. David Munyeki of Nyandarua County Assembly Service Board.
The 3rd Edition of the CASA games was a success with over 30 Counties represented. The organization of the games have been a challenge due to the COVID-19 Pandemic that disrupted the games’ calendar for the last two years.