In the heart of Machakos, under the vibrant Kenyan sun at Kenyatta Stadium, the Eastern Region finals of the second edition of BingwaFest unfolded like a symphony of athletic prowess, community spirit, and unyielding determination.
This multi-sport extravaganza, sponsored by Betika, not only crowned new champions across football, rugby, basketball, and athletics but also underscored the transformative power of sports in fostering grassroots talent and community development.
As the dust settles on a weekend packed with nail-biting matches and record-breaking performances, we dive deep into the highlights, heroes, and heartfelt impacts of this unforgettable event held over the past weekend.
Football Glory: Penalty Drama and Dominant Displays Crown New Kings and Queens
The football pitches buzzed with electric energy as Machakos Talent Academy (MTA FC) and MAS Queens etched their names into BingwaFest history as the Eastern Region’s men’s and women’s champions, respectively.
In a men’s final that epitomized the unpredictability of the beautiful game, MTA FC clashed with Milimani United in a contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
MTA struck first blood in the seventh minute when Morrison Mutiso unleashed a clinical finish, sending the crowd into raptures and setting the tone for an intense battle.
However, Milimani United refused to bow down, with Ryan Ochieng equalizing just 20 minutes later in a moment of sheer brilliance that leveled the score at 1-1 by halftime.
As the clock ticked down through a grueling second half filled with near-misses and heroic saves, neither side could find the decisive breakthrough, forcing the match into a high-stakes penalty shootout.
What followed was pure drama: MTA FC converted all five of their spot-kicks with unflinching precision, while Ochieng—hero turned villain—smashed his effort against the crossbar, sealing a 5-4 victory for MTA.
This triumph not only avenged past rivalries but also highlighted the mental fortitude required at this level of competition.
On the women’s side, MAS Queens delivered a masterclass in attacking football, dismantling Kibauni Queens with a resounding 3-1 victory.
Diana Namiti emerged as the star of the show, netting a brace that showcased her lethal finishing and tactical acumen.
Wilkister Shimwati added to the tally with a well-placed goal, while Tracy Adata’s late consolation strike for Kibauni did little to dampen MAS Queens’ dominant display.
The spoils of victory were substantial: Both MTA FC and MAS Queens pocketed Sh1 million each, a fitting reward for their excellence.
Runners-up Milimani United and Kibauni Queens walked away with Sh500,000 apiece, while third-placed MAS FC (men’s) and Athi River Queens (women’s) claimed Sh250,000, ensuring that talent across the board was recognized and incentivized.
Rugby Rampage: Falcons and Kithimu Soar to Victory in Lopsided Finals
Shifting to the rugged intensity of rugby, Daystar Falcons reaffirmed their dominance in the men’s category by steamrolling Makueni Rugby in a one-sided final that ended 43-0.
The Falcons’ blend of speed, strategy, and sheer physicality left their opponents reeling, marking yet another appearance for them at the upcoming national finals.
This repeat performance builds on their legacy, positioning them as frontrunners in Kenyan rugby’s evolving landscape.
The women’s rugby final was a showcase of Embu pride, pitting Kithimu Community against Njukiri Community in a clash that quickly turned into a rout.
Kithimu’s aggressive forward play and slick backline maneuvers resulted in a commanding 45-5 win, with tries flowing freely amid disciplined defense.
This Embu derby not only highlighted regional rivalries but also the growing depth of women’s rugby in Eastern Kenya.
Prize money mirrored the football rewards, with Falcons and Kithimu Community each securing Sh1 million.
Makueni Rugby and Njukiri Community received Sh500,000 for their valiant efforts, while third-place finishers Katine Community (men’s) and Northern Suburbs (women’s) were awarded Sh250,000, further fueling the sport’s grassroots momentum.
Basketball Brilliance: BCG Retains Crown as Apex Claims Women’s Throne
Basketball enthusiasts were treated to a spectacle of skill and strategy, with BCG successfully defending their men’s Eastern Region title in a rematch of last year’s final at the same venue.
Facing off against Pirates, BCG’s seamless teamwork and sharpshooting prowess led to a convincing 21-8 whitewash, solidifying their status as reigning national champions and regional powerhouses.
In the women’s showdown, Apex edged out Valkyries in a tightly contested 14-10 thriller, blending defensive tenacity with opportunistic scoring to claim the crown.
This victory not only granted them Sh500,000 but also the coveted Eastern bragging rights, inspiring a new wave of female athletes in the region.
Runners-up Pirates and Valkyries each took home Sh250,000, with third-placed Makueni UB (men’s) and Sparta (women’s) earning Sh100,000, reflecting BingwaFest’s commitment to rewarding excellence at every level.
Athletics Excellence: Chepkurui and Langat Dominate Distance Races
The track events provided a fitting crescendo, where endurance and speed intertwined in breathtaking displays.
Glorious Chepkurui dazzled in the women’s category, clinching gold in both the 5,000m (16:40.8) and 10,000m (34:37.4) races with times that spoke volumes of her training and tenacity.
Similarly, Francis Langat ruled the men’s distances, clocking 14:16.3 in the 5,000m and 29:13.6 in the 10,000m, showcasing the raw talent emerging from Kenya’s athletic heartlands.
Each athlete’s double victory earned them Sh550,000—comprising Sh300,000 for the 10,000m and Sh250,000 for the 5,000m—highlighting BingwaFest’s investment in track and field as a cornerstone of Kenyan sports heritage.
Beyond the Games: Community Impact and Future Horizons
Betika Head of Brand Eric Mwiti encapsulated the event’s broader significance: “Congratulations to all the winners at Machakos the past weekend. We look forward to seeing you at the national finals next year. We remain cognizant of the impact we have on the host communities.”
Mwiti emphasized BingwaFest’s holistic approach: “We believe BingwaFest extends beyond the games and into the community. We handed over the 10th basketball court, built from scratch to the people of Machakos, and we hope that this will have a great impact on the community.”
This initiative, part of a series of infrastructure projects, aims to nurture future talents and promote healthy lifestyles in underserved areas.
Looking ahead, the BingwaFest caravan rolls on to the Nairobi Region finals next month, building on the momentum from its August kickoff in Nakuru (Rift Valley), the Nyanza leg in Siaya last month, and now Eastern’s Machakos extravaganza.
As regional champions gear up for nationals, BingwaFest continues to unite Kenya through sports, empowering communities and unearthing stars who could one day shine on the global stage.
This edition of BingwaFest isn’t just about winners and prizes—it’s a testament to resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of Kenyan athletics. Stay tuned for more as the journey to national glory intensifies.
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