Kenyan rugby has witnessed some defining moments over the years, but few are as poignant as the relegation of Mwamba RFC from the Kenya Cup. The club, a historic pillar of the game and the country’s first indigenous rugby side, founded in 1977,has bowed out of the top tier after a continuous run since 1999.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since their return to the Kenya Cup in 1999 following a brief spell in the Eric Shirley Shield, Mwamba RFC has been a force to reckon with. Their presence in the league has not only been about competition but also about producing some of the finest rugby talents Kenya has ever seen.
The club has been home to legendary players such as Humphrey Kayange, Collins Injera, and Mike Agevi from the renowned Emonyi family. The Asego brothers—Larry, Lavin, and Chris—also made their mark, alongside other outstanding names like Edgar Abere, Richard Nyakwaka, Paul Oimbo, Mariko Mshilla, Steve Sewe, Richmond Barasa, Dan Sikuta, Kevin Wambua, Brad Owako, Horace Otieno, Sydney Nderitu, and Shaban Ahmed to name but a few. Their contributions to Mwamba and the national team cemented the club’s reputation as a cradle of excellence.
Highs and Lows in the Kenya Cup
Mwamba’s most successful runs in recent history saw them reach the Kenya Cup semifinals in 2013 and secure playoff spots in 2017 and 2019. Their dominance was not limited to the league, as they lifted the prestigious Enterprise Cup in 2006 and 2009, further underlining their pedigree in Kenyan rugby.
However, the last few seasons have been less kind to the club. The loss of key players, financial instability, and structural changes in the league gradually took their toll. The biggest blow came when the team was displaced from their traditional home ground at the Nairobi Railway Club to make way for the Nairobi Expressway construction. Losing their base disrupted training routines and team cohesion, a factor that played a significant role in their struggles.
A Painful Exit, But Not the End
Mwamba’s relegation marks the end of an era but not the end of the club’s story. As a team that has defied odds before, their spirit remains unbroken. The road to redemption starts in the second tier, where they will regroup, rebuild, and push for a return to the Kenya Cup.
Kenyan rugby owes much to Mwamba RFC—not just for the titles won, but for the culture and legacy they have built. Their exit from the top flight is a reminder that sports, like life, has its cycles. But if history is anything to go by, Mwamba will rise again.