Sports cabinet secretary Ababu Namwamba has issued a stern warning to cartels who have transformed the RFUEA grounds into a drinking den. Namwamba expressed his dissatisfaction during the flagging off ceremony for the national 7s sides Lionesses and Shujaa. He stated that there is a cartel that believes in impunity and warned them that he is coming for them.

Part of the RFUEA property, which is under the management of Kenya Harlequins, has been rented to the Orchid Lounge and Grills. This entertainment facility has been set up at the rugby haven, much to the dismay of Namwamba. RFUEA board chairperson George Kariuki assured that they are doing everything they can to rectify the situation.

In addition to addressing the issue of the cartels, Namwamba also announced the government’s plan to construct a modern training facility for the national rugby teams. He shared his experience visiting Stellenbosch, South Africa, where he saw the amazing training center for the country’s national teams. Namwamba believes that if the players can perform well without a proper training facility, they can achieve even greater success if they have access to such a facility.

On the other hand, KRU boss Sasha Mutai revealed that the union has been forced to pay in order to use the RFUEA facility. The facility, located along Ngong Road, has been subject to threats from some of the tenants during events like the Safari Sevens tournament. Mutai expressed their dissatisfaction and stated that they are taking the necessary steps, including contacting their lawyers, to address the presence of illegal structures that are not intended for rugby development at the ground.