One of the oldest rugby clubs in the country, Mwamba Rugby Club, will have no place to call home for the first time in 42 years.
The club that has been putting up at the Nairobi Railway Club since its formation in 1977, will be vacating the venue to create room for a bus terminus and the intended Expressway from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Westlands.
Police officers guard the entrance to Nairobi Railway Club on September 16, 2020. Mwamba RFC will relocate from the grounds.
Photo credit: Kanyiri Wahito | Nation Media Group
Mwamba won their only Kenya Cup title in 1983, but have developed a number of players who have left a lasting legacy in the game.
Nairobi Railway Club general manager Caleb Musamali confirmed that the rugby and football playground and the car bazaar ground will be affected.
Mwamba has produced great rugby players like Edward Rombo, Collins Injera and Humphrey Kayange.
KCB's Nick Ongeri (left) and Steve Wamai battle for the ball with David Oluoch of Mwamba during their Kenya Cup match at Nairobi Railway Club on December 7, 2019.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group
“The main club house won’t be affected or be brought down since it has some historical attachment,” said Musamali, adding that the government through the Ministry of Transport acquired the land from the Kenya Railways Staff Pension Benefit Scheme in 2006.
“It has gone through a legal process and there is nothing one can do about it,” said Musamali, explaining that Mwamba didn’t have a binding document with the pension scheme over the usage of the rugby facility.
The rugby pitch at the Nairobi Railway Club, home of Mwamba RFC, on September 16, 2020. Mwamba RFC will relocate from the grounds.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Mwamba Rugby Club president Alvas Onguru said it as an emotional moment for the club to lose a place that they have called home for four decades, while producing some of Kenya’s rugby superstars.
“We are lucky that no rugby is being played now. We have no option but to search for a new home,” said Onguru, who pleaded with the government to help them find a new homeground.
The main stand at the Nairobi Railway Club, home of Mwamba RFC, on September 16, 2020. Mwamba RFC will relocate from the grounds.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“This is the first community rugby club where young boys and girls rose to fame not only in the game but different professions,” said Onguru.
