The Kenya Cup playoffs delivered on every front—from Ruaraka to Kakamega, the two semi-final venues buzzed with energy and serious money-changing hands. If you missed it, pole sana. The FOMO is justified.

Oilers Shock the Bankers at Ruaraka

KCB’s fortress at Ruaraka had been turned into a rugby carnival. Extra seating had been installed to accommodate the surge of fans, and a VIP and VVIP setup ensured that the game wasn’t just about tackles and tries—it was also about fine dining and premium experiences. From high-end whiskey to gourmet platters, KCB ensured that the event was a financial goldmine before kickoff.

But on the pitch, the script flipped. Menengai Oilers stormed into Ruaraka with nothing to lose and everything to prove.

First Strike: The Oilers’ rolling maul was a battering ram, and Nelson Makokha was the hammer. He bulldozed over, and Brian Omela’s boot converted with precision. 7-0.

Before KCB could recover, Fortune Arturo added a second try similarly. 14-0. Silence engulfed the home crowd, except for the pockets of Oilers faithful losing their minds.

KCB Fight Back: The bankers responded through Andy Cole, who latched onto a perfect offload from Sikutwa to dot down. But a missed conversion left them trailing 14-5.

The bankers pounded the Oilers' try line for the next twenty minutes, but the visitors’ defense held firm. It was the kind of resilience that wins championships.

Closing the Deal: Omela’s penalties stretched the lead, and as KCB’s frustration grew, so did their errors. Then came the killer blow—Samuel Mwaura’s audacious goose-step, a perfectly weighted grubber, and Crispin Shitundo finishing the job.

Final score? Oilers 31, KCB 8. A historic moment for the Nakuru-based side coming a few months after they were crowned Floodiez champions for the first time.

Kabras Steamroll Nondies in Kakamega

Over at the Kakamega Showground, Kabras had orchestrated their own rugby festival. The sugar millers set up an impressive match-day experience—food, music, drinks, and a sea of yellow jerseys creating an electric atmosphere.

If KCB had turned their semifinal into a corporate VIP lounge, Kabras had made theirs a fan-first experience, a celebration of rugby’s raw essence.

A Sweet Start: The maestro, Dukisa, pulled the strings, delivering a wide pass that led to the opening try. Moments later, Char took matters into his own hands, slicing through the Nondies' defense like a hot knife through butter. Kabras 14, Nondies 0.

One-Sided Affair: Nondies managed to squeeze in a penalty, but that was their only joy of the day. Kabras’ forwards dominated every scrum, every lineout, and every breakdown. By halftime, it was clear that the visitors were outmatched.

The second half was a rugby masterclass. Kabras ran in try after try, turning the game into a one-sided demolition.

Final score? Kabras 45, Nondies 6.

The Money Game 

Beyond the brutal battles on the pitch, there was another competition taking place—the business of rugby.

Kenya Breweries, through their Tusker brand, had injected Ksh 10 million into the Kenya Cup playoffs.

🔹 Ksh 6.5 million was dedicated to enhancing the fan experience, supporting vendors, and marketing the playoffs.

🔹 Ksh 3.5 million was distributed as prize money for the playoff teams and financial support for host clubs.

🏆 Prize Breakdown:
🥇 Kenya Cup Winner: Ksh 300,000
🥈 Runner-Up: Ksh 200,000
🥉 Third Place: Ksh 100,000
💰 Fourth, fifth, and sixth place teams also take home Ksh 75,000, 50,000, and 50,000, respectively.

Add to that ticket sales, food and beverage revenue, merchandise purchases, and sponsorship activations, and it was clear that rugby was a business, and a thriving one at that.

With the Kenya Cup final now set, Kabras will host the Oilers in Kakamega for the ultimate showdown. If you’re not watching this one, wacha tu.

Feature Image Credit: Menegai Oilers