Final update Sunday March 3, 2019: Shujaa goes down to Spain 24-7. Bush Mwale scored the lone Kenyan try.
Shujaa came out swinging beating Argentina 24-19 and then cleaning Japan’s clock 28-15 in a thrilling match that had hundreds of Kenyan fans on their feet the entire duration of the game.
Wakenya are happy people and when they are out there in the field it’s time to let loose and have fun. The gallery above is snapshot of Kenyans having fun in Vegas.
Despite their team losing both games Friday, hundreds of Kenyan fans were not deterred. Most of them dressed in Kenyan flag colors of red, green, black and white with the shield and spears, there is no doubt they are proud to be Kenyan.
Drawn from all parts of the US, members of the Kenyan diaspora are huge rugby fans. In fact the USA Sevens in Las Vegas is the must go event among Kenyans and a bucket list item for every Kenyan in USA.
“I like coming to rugby because I get the feeling of being back home again,” Ivy Nthenya, said. “I like the songs we sing and it reminds me of the songs we used to sing back home.”
Nthenya, a Kenyan pediatrician, who lives in Central Valley, CA, said the event is always fun and many Kenyan professionals dedicate their time to attend to take a break from their professional life and reconnect with friends and family in Vegas.
“Everybody is having fun together, taking photos, being goofy and just taking time to enjoy themselves. And I also enjoy rugby,” she said.
Editors note: This story will continue to grow as we interview more fans.