Nation Correspondent, New York
The US and Europe-based Kenya Sevens fans are planning a massive raid at the World Rugby Division Two Nairobi Sevens at Nyayo Stadium, in the Kenyan capital city next weekend.
Excitement among the exuberant Kenyan diaspora, who have been an integral part of the famous “Kenya Corner” at the World Rugby Sevens Series (SVNS) over the years, is building here in the United States as diverse groups of rugby-mad fans organise themselves to travel to their motherland for the Nairobi rugby sevens bonanza.
Evans Mbugua, a designer based in Watford, UK, says it is worth every penny coming to the event.
Kenya Rugby Sevens fan Konye wa Njoroge (in green jersey) at the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain during the World Rugby Sevens Grand Final on June 1, 2024.
Photo credit: Pool
“This first-of-a-kind event in Kenya is important because the diaspora community understands the true depth of patriotism. A homecoming HSBC tournament represents a profound honour for every returning member of the diaspora, reaffirming their love for country, for rugby, and for family. The commitment required to attend the home tournament is significant. Members of the diaspora often make substantial financial, social, and relational sacrifices to be present,” said Mbugua.
George Mokuasi, a logistics specialist based in Dallas, who snapped up his ticket as soon as sales were opened online a couple of weeks back, said:
“The void of not being in Division I was big. However, the fact that the leg is being hosted in Kenya will give Kenya the experience at the men’s and women’s levels to challenge for a place in Division Two. We will show the world what they are missing by us not being in Division One”.
Under the new structure of the Division Two series, Kenya’s representatives – Kenya Lionesses and Kenya Shujaa will play the opening leg in Nairobi, followed by legs in Montevideo, Uruguay, and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Countries playing on the Nairobi leg men’s competition are Kenya, USA, Uruguay, Canada, Germany, and Belgium, while the women’s category has Kenya, South Africa, Argentina, Spain, Brazil, and China.
In the absence of Kenya in SVNS Division One, fans can well settle for Shujaa playing in the three legs of SVNS Division Two.
Richard Bukasi, a senior manager in health care based in Los Angeles, has a deep sentimental connection to rugby through his uncle.
“I grew up in the United States, but rugby has always connected me to Kenya. My uncle played rugby for Kenya, and because of that, the sport is deeply embedded in our family. Even though he no longer plays, our support has never stopped. We continue to show up. Mainly for him, for the legacy he built, and for Team Kenya. No matter the distance, we are still going strong, united by pride, family, and our love for the game and country. I have been to many SVNS legs since LA Sevens in 2006.”
The uncle? Ernest “Marine” Gikonyo, an ex-Nakuru, ex-Harlequins, and ex-Kenya Simbas centre.
“I will travel with about 20 friends, and we will be joined by others from the UK,” he said.
Sachit Shah, a mechanical engineer based in San Diego, says he has been attending World Rugby Sevens Series for 19 years without fail, following Kenya Shujaa.
US-based Kenya Sevens rugby fan Sachit Shah at the Stade de France in, Paris for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games sevens tournament.
Photo credit: Pool
“I do it because I love supporting my country Kenya. I also love the energy we bring and the noise we make. I love carrying my flag high and watching the exciting Shujaa!! We converted the Montevideo Uruguay Stadium into our noisy sitting room two years ago.”
The famous fan, Konye wa Njoroge, a medical doctor who practices his trade in Los Angeles, is known as the lead organiser of the US-based Kenya Sevens supporters attending SVNS tournaments.
Not new to attending Safari Sevens and SVNS legs that Kenya has participated in, Njoroge is enthusiastic about the Nairobi Sevens.
US-based Kenya Sevens fan Konye wa Njoroge (in green replica jersey) at the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain during the World Rugby Sevens Grand Final on June 1, 2024.
Photo credit: Pool
“I am hoping the crowds will show up, considering it's the first event of the SVNS Division Two in Africa and Kenya in particular. I also hope the Kenya Lionesses and Shujaa are well prepared to exploit home field advantage that we don't often get. I think it will be a great weekend of rugby”.
He should know that tickets, numbering 22,000, sold out a week before kick-off, signalling Nyayo Stadium will be packed to the rafters.
The question is whether there will be a Kenya Corner or a truly Kenyan arena within the whole stadium, invariably, supporting the home teams.
US-based Kenyan diaspora travelling to Nairobi for the event will cover over 11,000 kilometers, and spent at least $2,000 (Sh258,080) for the love of Kenya Shujaa and the game.
