For many years the issue of Confirm gang and other criminal groupings has been talked about within Nakuru city and its environs.

However, in what is seen as a quick move towards addressing the menace of young people joining criminal gangs, Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria has stepped in to help the youth through counselling sessions, involving them in sports tournaments and mentorship programs.

Related: Cries of Crime: Inside Mauki, WaTZ gang wars and how rogue police officers are involved

This was revealed over the weekend during a tournament dubbed ‘Reformed Youth Football Tournament’.

The tournament which drew participating teams from Flamingo, Kivumbini and Biashara Wards was played at the famous Kamukunji grounds attracted hundreds of locals who came to cheer their teams.

Local youth perform to spectators during the reformed youth football tournament at Kamukunji grounds on June 25, 2023.

Photo credit: PRISTONE MAMBILI/MTAA WANGU

The first match saw Flamingo Reformed Youth FC score two goals against Kivumbini’s one goal while in the second match, Biashara beat Kivumbini two goals to nil.

The third march between Flamingo and Biashara saw Biashara emerge winners with 2 goals to nil.

The tournament saw the winners, Biashara Youth Reformed awarded Sh 80,000.

Flamingo and Kivumbini teams went home with Sh 60,000 each for being 1^st runners-up and second runners-up respectively.

Read: Cries of Crime: Why we joined 'confirm' gang

Gikaria says the tournament, the first of its kind in Nakuru Town East Constituency, is aimed at creating harmony among the youth from different estates who for many years have been having grudges.

Nakuru East MP David Gikaria (in cap) during the Reformed Youth Football Tournament on June 25, 2023.

Photo credit: PRISTONE MAMBILI/MTAA WANGU

Besides such tournaments, the area lawmaker revealed that plans are on to ensure youth are involved in other programs including tree planting exercise and other mentorship programs under the NG-CDF sponsorship.

“We are doing all this with one aim- that is to help our young people who have been feeling as if they are left out leading some of them to join criminal groups,” said Gikaria.

Peter Owiye and Amadi Kahero- residents of Nakuru East on their part called on all elected leaders to support such initiatives that are meant to help young people reform making society a better place.

pmambili@gmail.com

MP Gikaria's plan to end criminal groups in Nakuru East

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Pristone Mambili