‘At Times Appreciate Players More’ – Angry Rugby Fans React to Safari 7s Winners Being Driven Home in Matatu

When Kenya’s men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams — Shujaa and the Lionesses — were crowned champions of the 2025 Safari 7s at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, the mood among fans was one of immense pride.

 The annual tournament, which traditionally acts as a curtain-raiser for both the HSBC Sevens Series and the domestic Kenya Cup season, has long been regarded as a barometer for Kenya’s rugby progress on the global stage.

However, a lighthearted gesture meant to celebrate the players’ triumph has since ignited outrage and ridicule online.

Instead of being chauffeured in an official team bus or a modest union vehicle, the victorious squads were driven home in a flashy, customized matatu (public transport van) belonging to George Ruto, son of President William Ruto. 

The vehicle, famously known in Nairobi’s matatu culture as a “nganya,” is one of the most extravagant rides on Kenyan roads — fitted with neon lights, booming sound systems, and high-end interiors.

On their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) celebrated the gesture with a post reading:

“The #2025Safari7s CHAMPIONS get to ride home in style with one of the coolest NGANYAS in town, courtesy of George Ruto.”

The message was accompanied by a short clip showing the brightly lit matatu pulling up at the stadium’s entrance as players hopped aboard amid cheers and camera flashes.

But what was meant as a fun, symbolic send-off quickly backfired. Fans and rugby enthusiasts took to X  to condemn the move, describing it as tone-deaf and disrespectful to players who had just delivered silverware for the country.

“Prize money would have made more sense. You play for the nation with pride, win a prestigious tournament like this, and then get rewarded with a ride home in a nganya,” wrote rugby start Derrick Masese. “At times appreciate these players more.”

Another user, @TheFallohides, didn’t hold back:

“This nonsense is exactly why only two people bought tickets for the tournament. Your stupidity is killing the sport. We are in 2025 — things like this should’ve been left in 1963.”

Others accused KRU of misplaced priorities and poor leadership:

“This is an indicator of how far rugby has fallen in Kenya,” lamented @SitatiWasilwa. “KRU’s leadership is unprofessional, highly politicised, and lacks vision.”

User @SbevenEzio added:

“You people are a joke. And you expect to requalify for the HSBC while the best you can offer players is a matatu ride that charges 50 bob daily. Rugby in this country is truly in the pits.”

Some fans went further, calling the gesture “sports washing,” suggesting it was a political PR stunt rather than a genuine show of appreciation.

“They sweat for the country, and what does the federation do? No prize money, poor marketing, and a flashy matatu ride linked to bad road behavior,” posted @4nkwon.

While a few fans saw the move as a lighthearted celebration in line with Kenya’s vibrant matatu culture, the overwhelming sentiment online was one of frustration — reflecting a broader concern over the state of Kenyan rugby, which has struggled with dwindling fan interest, limited sponsorship, and inconsistent management.

In the women’s final, the Lionesses held off a resilient Uganda Lady Cranes side to win 14–10. Kenya raced into the lead through a well-converted try by Edith Nariaka, but Uganda hit back through Comfort Angaika and Suzan Adong to take a half-time lead.

 After the break, Janet Okello regained control with a converted strike, and despite being reduced to six players in the final minutes, Kenya held firm to lift the trophy.

On the men’s side, Shujaa weathered early pressure from Shogun Rugby, who opened the scoring through Legoburu Anton.

 Kenya equalised after Shogun went down to six men, and although a potential Shogun try was ruled out, substitutions proved decisive. Floyd Wabwire grabbed the winning try, which was converted to secure a 14–7 victory and Shujaa’s third consecutive Safari Sevens crown.