Kakamega:
In what was trumpeted as the “battle of the Rai siblings”, defending champions Kabras RFC sealed a historic fourth consecutive Kenya Cup title by edging out a spirited Menengai Oilers 27-26 in a nail-biting final at the ASK Showground, Kakamega, on Saturday, bringing the curtain down on a thrilling 2024/2025 season.
The Kabras franchise falls under West Kenya Sugar Company whose Managing Director is Tejveer Rai while the Oilers fall under Menengai Oil Company managed by Tejveer’s younger brother Onkar Rai.
With both sides entering the final with intensity and purpose, the contest lived up to its billing from the very first whistle.
Kabras opened the scoring with a composed penalty, but Oilers’ sharpshooter Kevin Omela quickly responded to level the scores.
The hosts, however, found their rhythm and surged ahead through a well-executed try and conversion to make it 10-03.
Omela’s precision from the tee kept the visitors within touching distance before Eric Cantona muscled over for another Kabras try, with Boet Dukisa adding the extras to give the sugar millers a 17-09 lead at halftime.
Kabras extended their advantage early in the second half when Walter Okoth dotted down, again converted by Dukisa, to take the tally to 24-09.
Omela added another penalty before Samwel Ovwamu powered over for Oilers, with the conversion bringing the score to 24-19.
Crucial penalty win
A critical penalty from Dukisa pushed Kabras further ahead, but Oilers responded with a late try from Elkeans Musonye, converted to set up a thrilling finish at 27-26.
Despite a valiant fightback and mounting pressure in the dying minutes, Oilers fell just short.
The final moments saw the ever-reliable Jone Kubu, a Kenya Sevens international, kick the ball out after a crucial penalty win deep in their own half, sparking celebrations among the Kabras faithful and confirming the club’s place at the summit of the sport in Kenya.
Speaking after the match, Kabras head coach Carlos Katywa expressed mixed emotions.
“I am happy that we won but disappointed about how we did it. The gap could have been bigger but the players just decided not to stick to the plan. The ball could have bounced anywhere,” he said, while lauding the Oilers for a spirited performance.
“The gap is closing and we should be worried about that. We must improve if we are to beat them in the Enterprise Cup final on April 24 in Nairobi.”
‘Ready to turn the tables’
Menengai Oilers head coach Gibson Weru commended his team’s performance and signaled their intent to bounce back.
“Kabras’ kicking was efficient, and it cost us. We missed a lot of opportunities that could have put them under pressure,” Weru noted.
“We gave our all, and we’ll be ready to turn the tables next weekend in the Enterprise Cup final.”
As champions, Kabras took home Sh300,000 in prize money, courtesy of Kenya Breweries Limited through its Tusker brand, while runners-up Menengai Oilers received Sh200,000.
With this victory, Kabras now join an elite club of teams—Nondescripts, Impala, and KCB—that have clinched four or more successive Kenya Cup titles. This was Kabras’ 10th straight appearance in a Kenya Cup final, further affirming their dominance in Kenyan rugby. (Reporting by IMG with additional input from Pura Vida Reporter)
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