Exploiting Players for Fame and Gain In Narok County, a region famed for its wildlife, rich Maasai culture and expansive landscapes, grassroots sports tournaments have become a common feature in the local community. Every year, players from various backgrounds come together for soccer, volleyball and athletics competitions, hoping to showcase their talents, gain recognition and potentially secure a future in professional sports. But for many, what starts as an exciting opportunity to compete often turns into a harsh reality: exploitation. Behind the flash of event banners and promises of community development, the true cost of these tournaments is often paid in sweat, blood and dreams shattered. Players often go home injured, exhausted and, most painfully, empty-handed. Most of these tournaments are organized by local politicians and leaders with aspirations that go far beyond sports. For many, it is a means to gain popularity and make a name for themselves ahead of the next electi...