Peter Wachiuri: Kenya’s Darts pioneer making history on the global stage
Kenya's Peter Wachiuri poses for a photo at the Modus Super Series in Portsmouth, UK.
What you need to know:
- Raised by a single mother and his grandmother, Wachiuri's journey to the international stage is nothing short of inspiring.
- Now in his fourth year of competitive darts, Wachiuri is the first Kenyan to play at the prestigious Modus Super Series.
Peter Wachiuri is a Kenyan professional darts player who has risen through the ranks to become the country’s most successful darts export.
Raised by a single mother and his grandmother in Olkalou, Nyandarua County, his journey to the international stage is nothing short of inspiring.
He made a name for himself at the World Darts Championship African Darts Group Qualifier, finishing second behind South African Cameron Carolissen to earn an invitation to the Modus Super Series.
Now in his fourth year of competitive darts, Wachiuri is the first Kenyan to play at the prestigious Modus Super Series. Going into the weekly tournament in Portsmouth, UK, he was a rank outsider but made history by becoming the first African player to reach a Modus final.
Competing under the Buffalos Franchise in the African Darts Series (ADS) League, he finished as the runner-up after a 4-1 defeat to Scotland’s Scott Campbell, securing a place in the Modus Doubles World Cup scheduled for April 2025.
Where did your darts journey begin?
When I finished Class 8 in 2002, I moved to Ngong, Kajiado, in search of work and found a job as a carpenter. However, the income wasn’t stable. After work, I often went to the football pitch to keep busy and avoid falling into bad habits like excessive drinking, which some of my peers had succumbed to. I played football for six years before a serious leg injury forced me to quit. During my recovery, I struggled financially.
I remember one morning when my child asked me for bread, and I had nothing to offer. That moment made me re-evaluate my priorities. I decided to explore other interests and discovered darts at a local club in Ngong, where older men gathered to play. I quickly fell in love with the game and honed my skills at Vineyard Club, later joining Ngong Darts Club and then Florida Darts Club.
Did you always believe you had a future in darts?
My confidence grew when I started defeating experienced players in Ngong. There were about ten of them, but as I kept winning, some became jealous. However, I knew I had what it took to compete at a higher level. I started following national tournaments organised by the Kenya Darts Association (KDA), with my first tournament in Rongai, Kajiado, where I finished second. That experience fueled my passion even more.
The Stima Darts Club in Ngong played a crucial role in my progress. They supported me, took me under their wing, and gave me exposure in Tanzania and Uganda. That experience helped me stand on my own as a player.
What challenges have you faced in your darts career?
Once I became the top player in Kajiado, some competitors disliked that I was winning all the prize money and even barred me from their tournaments. However, I didn’t let that stop me. I sought out new clubs, eventually joining Gikambura Super Darts in Kiambu and registering with the KDA Kiambu branch. Without a membership card, you can’t play in official tournaments, so I got one purely for my love of the sport.
Darts is like any other sport—it requires discipline and resilience. Some players will encourage you, while others try to bring you down. It’s up to you to stay focused and pursue your goals.
How was your experience competing in the UK?
Being the first Kenyan to compete in the Modus Super Series was a huge honour. I know there have been great Kenyan players before me, like Robert Ngirigacha, who played at the World Cup four times, so I don’t take this opportunity for granted.
The biggest challenge for me in the UK was the cold. While others were sweating, I was constantly freezing. I would run to the heater every chance I got, which felt embarrassing. As for the food, I wasn’t used to eating burgers and kebabs daily. But after my final match, some Kenyan fans called me and took me to a place that served nyama choma, fish, and ugali. I hadn’t seen Kenyan food in almost a week!
How was the reception back home?
I never expected the overwhelming welcome I received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Seeing my fellow darts players, fans, and my family there made me emotional. I hadn’t viewed my performance as historic, but their support made me realise that even finishing second was a major achievement.
What lessons have you learned from darts?
The slogan of this sport is ‘Darts, New Friends.’ You meet different types of people—some who will encourage you and others who will try to derail you. I’ve learned to be cautious and focused. Darts is meant to bring people together, and it’s important to know how to handle different personalities, especially quick-tempered opponents.
Darts is often associated with drinking. Do you take alcohol?
Darts requires a high level of discipline. Yes, it’s often played in pubs, but it doesn’t mean you have to drink. The game involves pointed missiles that can be dangerous if misused. I always say discipline is crucial—you must know what you want from the sport. If you lose, accept defeat gracefully and congratulate your opponent.
Is darts your main source of income?
I am also a driver, but I consider darts a profession now. It provides a source of income, and I never miss a competition. I once worked for a taxi company, but they became frustrated with my frequent leave requests for darts tournaments and eventually let me go.
How do you balance driving and playing darts?
It’s all about discipline. Even if I arrive home at midnight and have planned to train, I will follow through. My training sessions last about an hour before I go to bed.
Do any of your children play darts?
I have three boys: Samwel, Jayden, and Ethan. Jayden is particularly interested in darts. He helps me fetch darts during practice, and I’ve even seen him throw a few. My youngest, Ethan, is only a year old, but he insists on holding a dart whenever I practice. My wife, Teresia Njeri, is also my biggest supporter.
What’s the secret to your success in darts?
Hard work in training and applying those skills in competition. Practice makes perfect.
Is mathematics essential for darts?
Yes, mental arithmetic is important for calculating scores. However, if you lose track, you can always ask for your score.