Kenya’s parliamentary football team, Bunge FC, wrapped up their campaign at the 15th Edition of the East African Inter-Parliamentary Games in Kampala on a high note, edging out the Parliament of Burundi 2–1 in a hard-fought match played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium–Namboole on Friday.
The victory, powered by goals from Senators Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho) and Allan Chesang (Trans Nzoia) secured Kenya a silver medal in the regional tournament, capping off a spirited performance despite Wednesday’s narrow 2–1 defeat to hosts Uganda.
Bunge FC started aggressively, pressing Burundi’s defence from the opening whistle.
Their efforts paid off midway through the first half when Senator Cheruiyot, one of Kenya’s most reliable forwards, slotted home the opener to give Kenya an early advantage.
Burundi, however, responded swiftly, capitalising on a defensive lapse to level the scores. The equaliser reignited the contest, with both sides pushing for control in a physically intense midfield battle.
But just minutes before the halftime break, Senator Chesang delivered the decisive moment of the match.
Dribbling past Burundi’s centre backs with remarkable composure, he fired in Kenya’s second goal, restoring the lead and shifting momentum firmly in Bunge FC’s favour.
In the second half, Kenya adopted a more cautious but calculated approach, with the technical bench making a series of tactical substitutions designed to sustain the team’s energy levels and tighten their grip on the match.
Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo was the first to be withdrawn in the 64th minute, paving the way for the fresh legs of Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau, whose entry injected renewed stability and movement in midfield.
Moments later, Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi was replaced by Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba, a change aimed at reinforcing Kenya’s link-up play and improving ball recovery as Burundi intensified their search for an equaliser.
With Burundi pressing harder in the closing stages, the bench made the bold decision to rest dependable striker Aaron Cheruiyot, whose early heroics had given Kenya the lead.
He was substituted for Nyandarua Senator John Methu, a strategic shift that strengthened Kenya’s defensive shape while still offering counter-attacking options.
The adjustment paid off, as Methu helped steady the backline and slowed Burundi’s momentum during a tense final stretch.
One of the standout stories of the match, however, was the performance of Kangema MP Peter Kihungi, who shrugged off a visible injury to marshal the midfield with remarkable composure.
His ball control, intelligent distribution, and relentless work rate inspired his teammates and frustrated Burundi’s attempts to dominate possession.
It was no surprise when he was named Man of the Match, an accolade that reflected both his resilience and his influence on the game’s rhythm.
The win not only reaffirmed Bunge FC’s competitiveness in the regional tournament but also showcased the remarkable teamwork and sportsmanship of Kenya’s legislators, who balanced their legislative roles with a spirited display on the field.
The East African Inter-Parliamentary Games aim to foster regional cohesion, friendship, and cooperation among member states through sports including football, athletics, netball, and basketball.
