Kenya opened their campaign for the men’s volleyball title at the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games (EAC-IPG) with two straight wins in matches played at Makerere University Indoor Gymnasium.
In their first match, they registered a commanding 3–1 victory over hosts Uganda in a high-intensity clash.
They went ahead to run over Rwanda 3-0 in their second encounter at the same venue to steer clear their intentions of reclaiming the title they lost to Uganda.
Buoyed by a capacity crowd, both teams displayed the familiar and fierce Kenya–Uganda rivalry, trading points with remarkable energy as fans cheered passionately from the stands.
Every score kept spectators on their toes, underlining the significance of the tournament opener.
Former international Dan Wanyama was the standout performer of the evening, repeatedly piercing Uganda’s defence line with his trademark power spikes.
His experience and precision unsettled the home side, who struggled to contain his attacking prowess despite deafening support from their fans.
Kenya narrowly clinched the action-packed first set 25–23, but Uganda responded emphatically, dominating the second set 25–12 to even the contest.
The third set mirrored the opening battle, with Kenya once again edging out the hosts 25–23 after a spirited exchange that saw momentum swing both ways.
The fourth set belonged to Wanyama, whose relentless hitting extinguished Uganda’s hopes of a comeback.
With Kenyan fans erupting into song, the team sealed the set 25–22, securing a morale-boosting win to launch their title pursuit.
Jubilant celebrations followed the final whistle, with Wanyama lifted shoulder-high as fans and players broke into song and dance.
“This was one of the toughest matches we have played against Uganda. They gave everything but we had prepared well for them,” Wanyama said after the match.
Team captain Paul Nzengu commended his squad for their resilience, discipline and tactical execution, describing the victory as a satisfying comeback after last year’s defeat to Uganda in Mombasa.
“What a sweet revenge for Team Kenya. Uganda upset us on home soil last year and we vowed to turn the tables in their backyard. We have achieved it and I am proud of my players,” he said.
Nzengu urged the team to quickly shift focus to their upcoming fixtures, emphasising that their ultimate goal remains clinching the regional title.
Other players who featured in the match included Brighton Yegon, Duncan Mathenge, Victor Koech Mandazi, Josses Lelmengit, Jackson Mandago, Robert Basil, Seki Ole Lenku and Vincent Chemitei.
