The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) is now using sports to rally the youths in Lamu in the fight against violent extremism by embracing peaceful coexistence.
Dubbed the Lamu Sports for Peace Tournament, which concluded on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Kiunga Primary School in Kiunga Ward, Lamu East Sub-County, KDF is also calling for vigilance for lasting peace in the area that was once known for terrorist activities.
The three-day tournament’s climax was presided over by the Commander of Operation Amani Boni (OAB), Brigadier William Kamoiro, alongside the Director of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Brigadier Yahya Mohamed, and a multi-agency OAB security team.
SACK RACES
According to a statement released by the KDF on Friday, January 2, 2026, the initiative sought to promote peaceful coexistence, strengthen civil–security relations, positively engage youth, and support Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) efforts through sports and community participation.
Throughout the three days, participants took part in a wide range of sporting and community activities, including walking races, 100-metre races, egg runs, sack races, tug of war, and football matches.
The tournament reached an electrifying with a football match, which pitted KDF Usalama Camp FC against a determined Kiunga A FC side. The closely contested encounter kept spectators on edge until the final whistle. Usalama Camp FC took the lead after calmly converting a penalty, asserting early dominance.
MEMORABLE
Kiunga A FC responded with resilience, restoring parity through a well-taken penalty of their own. With both sides pushing for victory, Usalama Camp FC delivered the decisive moment by rising above the defence to head home a perfectly timed corner kick. The goal sealed a hard-fought 2–1 victory, crowning Usalama Camp FC the tournament champions and bringing the event to a memorable conclusion.
Speaking during a community engagement session, Brigadier Kamoiro emphasised the importance of unity and close cooperation between communities and security agencies in sustaining peace in the region.
“I urge you to embrace harmony among yourselves and work hand in hand with security agencies. Do away with tribal differences among your communities. Mutual trust, information sharing, and collective responsibility are critical pillars for maintaining lasting security and stability in Kiunga and Lamu County at large,” said Brigadier Kamoiro.
During the entire tournament period, Brigadier Yahya Mohamed pitched camp at the school, engaging residents on countering violent extremism. He cautioned that extremist groups often exploit social and economic challenges to recruit young people.
BETTER FUTURE
“Extremist networks take advantage of issues such as drug abuse, unemployment, and the spread of false information to target our youth. I urge young people to remain cautious of externally driven activities, deceptive Islamic teachings, and harmful narratives intended to draw them into violent extremism,” said Brigadier Yahya.
Local elders were also part of the talks as shown during the CVE sessions, where local elder Mohamed Ahmed commended the Kenya Defense Forces for their continued efforts in promoting peace and development in Kiunga and the surrounding areas.
“We appreciate the role played by KDF in bringing peace and development to our community. I encourage our youth to reject radical teachings and instead embrace government-supported programmes that uplift livelihoods and prepare them for a better future,” he said.
