Four deaths in less than a year! Kenyan rugby fraternity in mourning again after player is shot in the chest

By William Osoro | 6yrs ago | 2 min read

The Kenyan rugby fraternity has suffered yet another loss after KCB center James Kilonzo was shot in the chest in the morning of 24 July.

Reports indicate that Kilonzo was shot outside an Mpesa shop in Kasarani after he had gone to withdraw cash.

The Kenya Rugby Union stated:

We join the Kenya Rugby fraternity in mourning the untimely demise of @kcbrugby's James Kilonzo who passed on last night. #RIPJimmy pic.twitter.com/CBRenNAyiF
— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU)

This is the fourth death to hit the Kenyan rugby fraternity within a year.

In January 2017, Homeboyz prop Andrew Wekesa passed away after he was stabbed by thugs in Mlolongo, Machakos County. Wekesa, who honed his skills at rugby powerhouse Kakamega High School had gone to visit friends when tragedy struck.

Wekesa had just graduated from JKUAT and was aged 24 when he passed away.

In December 2016, Mwamba RFC player Victor Wayodi passed away after collapsing during a match against visiting Nakuru at the Impala Sports Club ground.

The 24-year-old scrum-half suffered a cardiac arrest and later died at Nairobi Women’s Hospital.

Wayodi’s death came just a week after the death of yet another budding rugby star Ogeto Gecheo.

The Nondescripts RFC centre sustained a nasty spinal injury while tackling an opponent while playing against Strathmore Leos. The 19-year-old was attended to by match-day medical personnel on the ground before being rushed to Aga Khan Hospital where he later died.

May they rest in peace.