MPs primary role in Parliament is to make laws and represent their electorate.
Nonetheless, they always find time to unwind outside their busy schedules, and one such avenue is Bunge FC, the parliament’s official football club.
The club comprises MPs and Senators, as well as Parliamentary Service Commission staff, who occasionally come together for recreational matches.
Most of these MPs who turn out for the team have a strong connection with sports.
Some took part in active sports in their formative years while others continue to contribute to sports in their respective levels of jurisdiction.
Teamkenya.co.ke samples some politicians who turn out for the current cohort of Bunge FC.
Kipchumba Murkomen
The Elgeyo Marakwet Senator is the team’s captain. He plays as a forward and has been instrumental in the team’s recent success.
Late last year, at the East Africa Parliamentary Games in Tanzania, Murkomen was Bunge FC’s top scorer. He also scored a sumptuous freekick in November last year, one that made headlines.
Murkomen supports Manchester United in the English Premier League (EPL).
Also Read: Harambee Stars Player Who Apologized to Wife in Newspaper Advert
Dan Wanyama
The Webuye West MP played volleyball in his formative years but now turns out as a utility player for Bunge FC. His lanky frame and lean demeanour make him a prized asset for the team.
Interestingly, his son, Tom Bush Wamukota, turns out for the National Basketball Team, the Morans.
Aaron Cheruiyot
Cheruiyot turns out as a striker for Bunge FC and has been a consistent figure during their matches. Cheruiyot also plays for non-league outfit Leysa FC, which plays in the Wazee Premier League, an amateur league for ageing players.
Cheruiyot supports Arsenal in the EPL and has also been a presence in national team Harambee Stars matches.
Also Read: Liverpool Star Scores Three Own Goals in USA vs New Zealand
Cleophas Malala
Malala features in midfield for Bunge FC. He was also part of the Bunge team that took part in the Parliamentary games last year.
The Kakamega Senator Sponsors the Annual Cleo Malala Super Cup in Kakamega, whose winner takes home Sh1 Million. Malala has also been linked to financially supporting the Green Commandos Soccer team, a club comprising of students from Kakamega High School.
David Gikaria
Gikaria also turns out for Bunge FC and has as well served as a member of the Football Kenya Federation’s National Executive Committee.
Back in Nakuru where he hails from, Gikaria sponsors St Joseph Youth football club which once participated in the second-tier National Super League.
Other legislators who are part of the team include Kieni MP Kanini Kega (goalkeeper) and Lamu Senator Anwar Loitiptip (striker).
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and Machakos Town’s Victor Munyaka, who served in Parliament’s Sports Committee, also turn out for the parliamentary football club.
Also Read: Price of Arsenal Tickets as Compared to Gor Mahia