Kenya scrabble seed two Nderitu Gitonga will be seeking to defend his Kitui National Scrabble Circuit title for the third consecutive time when more than 80 national scrabble masters converge at Parkside Villa for the second national circuit in Kitui County.
Fresh from winning the Nairobi circuit last month, Gitonga will be eying for his second successive win of the 2020 season and fourth Kitui circuit win but has to face longtime rival and East Africa number one Allan Oyende.
Oyende who missed the Nairobi circuit will be making his first appearance of the new season and is expected to be among the favorites the win gold.
Speaking to the Standard Sports, organizing secretary Muema Mumbi said the circuit that will be played over three divisions with the County Government of Kitui sponsoring the two-day event.
“The 18 matches will be played over two days in the intermediate and premier divisions and 16 games played in the open category where we expect more entries. We expect the circuit to be bigger than the previous ones as we have the county on board,” he said.
Kitui County Scrabble chairman Robert Nguli added that the circuit will attract players from Nairobi, Siaya, Kisii, Eldoret, Busia, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu.
“The circuit will involve players from all corners of Kenya and we will also be expecting more youths especially from neighboring colleges and universities,” he said.
Kirinyaga’s own Gitonga and Oyende, a two-time national winner stands out as a favorite in the Kitui circuit.
They will, however, face stiff competition from Kisumu’s, Tony Ochola, George Nyakundi and Muema Muumbi, Onani Magwanga among others.
Top-ranked lady Cecilia Ruto, Wenwa Akinyi and Milly Kikechi are also expected to prove their word mastery in the toughest mind game.
Stima Club, Central Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Kinoo Club, Eldoret Club and Busia Scrabble club have already confirmed participation.
