Former Mwamba RFC captain hangs boots after decade of service
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Reading Time: 4min | Fri. 19.06.26. | 15:33
Over the years, Kichoi established himself as a key figure within the club, eventually earning leadership responsibilities and captaining the side
Former Mwamba RFC captain Eliakim Kichoi has officially brought the curtain down on an illustrious playing career with the club.
The retirement ends a journey that spanned more than a decade and saw him rise from a budding rugby enthusiast in Taita Taveta to one of the most respected figures in Kenyan rugby.
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Kichoi, who has represented Mwamba RFC, the Kenya Simbas, and featured in the Rugby Premier League, announced his retirement from the club's playing unit on Thursday, 19 June, although he affirmed his commitment to remain actively involved with the historic club.
"For over a decade, I have called Mwamba RFC home. A club that has enabled me to play at the highest levels in world rugby and rugby league.
It comes to that painful point in life where I call it time with the club playing unit, but I will still be a very active member.
To my coaches, teammates, Kulabu members, and fans, I really appreciate all the support and love. I will always be a proud captain and leader of this great club, Mwamba Rugby,” Kichoi announced on his social media handles.
His retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter for a player who embodied the values of Mwamba RFC both on and off the field.
Kichoi's sporting journey began far from the rugby hotspots of Nairobi.
Growing up in Voi, Taita Taveta County, he was initially a talented track athlete at St Bartholomew Secondary School, excelling in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m races.
At the time, football was the only other sport he had participated in.
Rugby was completely unfamiliar territory until a school training session in 2007 introduced him to the game.
His first encounter with rugby was memorable for all the wrong reasons.
He recalls being "baptized" by a powerful handoff during training that sent him tumbling to the ground, a harsh but unforgettable initiation into the physical nature of the sport.
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Despite showing promise, convincing his parents that rugby was worth pursuing proved to be one of his earliest challenges.
There was considerable friction between him and his family regarding the sport, but their concerns gradually eased as they witnessed his growth and progress on the field.
One of his fondest high school memories came in 2008 when St Bartholomew qualified for the national 15s secondary school games after winning both the Taita and Coast regional titles.
After his early rugby development and a stint with TOPA, Kichoi returned to pursue a Bachelor's degree at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Following brief spells with Mombasa Rugby and Kenyatta University, he joined Mwamba RFC in 2014 shortly after graduating from JKUAT, beginning a relationship that would define his rugby career.
His debut for the club came during the Dala 7s tournament against the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), a moment he still considers among the highlights of his career.
Over the years, Kichoi established himself as a key figure within the club, eventually earning leadership responsibilities and captaining the side.
Among his most cherished achievements are making his debut for Mwamba, being appointed captain of the club's sevens team in 2018, winning the Dala 7s title, and being named the tournament's Most Valuable Player in the same year.
His outstanding performances also earned him a call-up to Kenya's national sevens team, Shujaa, further cementing his status as one of the country's top rugby talents.
However, the journey was not without disappointment.
Kichoi identifies the 2018/19 National Sevens Circuit campaign as one of his toughest moments after Mwamba narrowly missed out on the overall circuit title, finishing second behind KCB Rugby.
While rugby has been a significant part of his life, Kichoi has also built a successful career away from the pitch.
He is the founder of Eliabu Arts and Design, a company specializing in design, branding, and printing services.
Beyond business, he remains passionate about nurturing the next generation of players and currently serves as a coach at Kitengela Sharks Rugby Club and the Future Stars African Games (FSAG) age-grade academy.
Eliakim Kichoi’s profile
Name Eliakim Kichoi
Club: Mwamba
Position: Lock, flanker
Achivements: 2008 KSSSA high school Coastal Region Rugby 15s, 2010 Uganda Secondary schools Coca Cola 10s, 2018 Dala 7s MVP, 2018 silver medalist Stanbic Kenya National Sevens circuit, 2018 Silver medalist Kenya 7s, Played CAR 7s Africa, 2022 Level 1 International Rugby League coaching accreditation.