Dennis Mwanja: Why KRU Has Suspended Kenya Lionesses Coach

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has announced the suspension of Dennis Mwanja, the head coach of the Kenya Women's 7s team, for a period of two weeks.

The suspension follows a preliminary report from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports' Office of the Gender Protection and Implementation Secretariat regarding a ‘safeguarding incident’ involving the coach.

The KRU stated that the investigating officers from the State Department of Sports recommended the suspension to allow for a fair and transparent investigation. This action is intended to protect the rights of both Dennis Mwanja and the alleged victim.

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"The Kenya Rugby Union wishes to categorically state that it has zero tolerance for any form of inappropriate conduct, abuse of power, or violations that undermine the safety, dignity, and rights of its players," a part of the official statement read.

The KRU board emphasised its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability, making it clear that it ‘will not shield any individual whose actions violate the trust and well-being of our players.’

This development has sent shockwaves through the Kenyan rugby community. Dennis Mwanja, a former international player with a distinguished career, has been a key figure in the development of women's rugby in Kenya.

His suspension, even if temporary, represents a significant moment for the sport's governing body as it grapples with a serious allegation.

The ongoing investigation will determine the future of Mwanja's position and, more importantly, address the serious nature of the allegations.

Dennis Mwanja, also known as ‘Iron Man,’ is a prominent figure in Kenyan rugby, with a distinguished career as both a player and a coach.

He has served as the head coach for the Kenya Women's 7s team, the Kenya Lionesses, and also held a coaching role at KCB Rugby.

As a player, Dennis Mwanja was a force to be reckoned with, representing the Kenya men's national sevens team, Shujaa. His playing career included a memorable hat-trick of tries against England at the San Diego 7s in 2007.

In his coaching career, Dennis Mwanja has been a key figure in the growth and development of women's rugby in Kenya. He was appointed the head coach of the Kenya Lionesses in 2022. Under his guidance, the team has had notable achievements.

He has also been a coach for KCB Rugby, a role from which he has also stepped aside temporarily. With his leadership, the KCB squad has thrived, reaching four National Sevens Circuit finals and clinching the Driftwood and Christie’s titles.