Grabbed, Felled, Subdued: Sizzling Hot Stories from Migwena Cultural Festival

By Eric Omwombo 

Songa Mbele from Busia County are the champions of this year’s Migwena Cultural Festival men’s boat racing competition held at Wich Lum on the shores of Lake Victoria.

The team clocked 17 minutes to win the most competitive category that involved five Counties.

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The event attracted rowers from Busia, Kisumu, Homabay and Siaya.

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“Last year, we did not participate in the 2022 boat race competition but we honored the invitation of Governor James Orengo and participated in the competition.

Last week, Orengo had attended Budalangi boat racing competition at Marega and invited Busia rowers who prooved their worth in Siaya.

Kaswa from Siaya and Odanga from homabay finished second and third respectively.
In the swimming category, Gabriel Odhiambo from Ndeda Island won and was followed closely by Felix Oyugi from Wich Lum.
Emmanuel Onyango Finished third.

Speaking while announcing results, Kenya Rowing Coach Chris Onyiengo lauded competitors for demonstrating their rowing strength and entertaining hundreds of guests attending the cultural event.

“A time has come for the counts to be registered as a club before registering it further to Kenya dragon boat federation,” said Onyiego.

The event that was graced by Azimio leader Raila Odinga as the chief guest saw Siaya County dignitaries and public entertained by wrestlers.

Governor James Orengo while addressing the gathering said his government is committed towards establishing a cooling plant at Wich Lum to help fishermen in preserving their catch.

“We plan to establish a cooling plant here in Wich Lum, install flood light, build a modern market and establish water projects to serve the residents ” said Orengo adding that Wich Lum health facility will be prioritized next year.

Orengo said he wants to make sure that the residents gives birth at Wich Lum facility.
Orengo was accampanied by Azimio leader Raila Odinga, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Siaya Deputy Speaker Andercus Odongo and Siaya county Executive led by County Secretary Joseph Ogutu.

Raila lauded efforts to embrace the Luo cultures during the festive season saying that the wrestling has made him to recall years back when he was 12 years and had paid a visit at Nyaguda where he met some boys whom he wrestled.

Raila noted that women rowers demonstrated their rowing skills.

He at the same time vowed to heed the requests of Kenyans on mass protest if the Kenya Kwanza government does not scrapping off the financial act that imposed high taxes on Kenyans.

Raila regretted that Kenyans have not celebrated Christmas and will not treat themselves in the new year due to bad economic times.

“It’s the suffering of Kenyans that has formed part of my agenda so next year I have a date with Kenyans,” said Raila.

“Ruto is so hypocrite who was using every strategy to get to power but now stranded and do not have any clue on reviving the ailing economy.,” said Raila.

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