There were tears of sorrow during the opening day of the Kenya University Sports Federation (KUSF) national ball games at the University of Eldoret following the tragic accident that involved the Pwani University bus ferrying students to the annual games.
During the morning session, the organisers, led by secretary general Joseph Sandagi held prayers with messages of condolences to the players, the university and family members who lost their loved ones during Thursday's accident along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway.
"It was an emotional start to the games following the accident," said Sandagi. "We had morning prayers and condoled with the family. The prayers gave us the strength to start our championships. We agreed that all matches should start with a minute of silence."
Once the action started, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology went on the rampage, winning their women's hockey and men's handball opening matches.
In hockey women, MMUST defeated Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology 3-0 while their men's handball team saw off JKUAT 18-13.
MMUST head of games Geoffrey Barasa said he is fighting for the overall title after sending 12 teams to the annual championships.
"We came here with a purpose and with this large contingent, we have to secure good results in all the categories," said Barasa.
Hosts UoE won their opening match in hockey, beating University of Nairobi 1-0. In football, the hosts' women's side held Mount Kenya University 0-0 in their opener.
Head coach Josephat Pilishi said MKU were a worthy opponent and whom they have met on several occasions in major events.
"We have been playing against MKU in many championships. Our matches are usually too close to call even though we have been beating them by small margins. Today they held us and this shows they have improved. They are the toughest opponents here," said Pilishi.
