From selling omena to captaining Kenya 7s: The story of George ‘Japolo’ Ooro

When George ‘Japolo’ Ooro says his nickname means ‘Man from Heaven’ it feels less like a name and more like destiny.

Who would have thought that the man who sold omena on the streets during the COVID-19 pandemic to make ends meet would one day travel the world representing Kenya?

Not only has he earned the honor of wearing the national colours, but he now captains the Kenya 7s team, Shujaa.

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This is the story of a fighter, a dreamer, and a man who refused to quit. This is the story of Ooro.

Born on March 2, 2000, in Kapiyo village, Sakwa, Bondo, Siaya County, rugby was a godsend for Ooro. His journey began at Chianda Boys High School in 2018, where he played a key role in leading the team to victory in the regional sevens championship.

Chianda stunned Maseno in the semifinals and Ogoro Sare in the final, securing their place at the 2019 National School Games in Shanzu, Mombasa. Their goal was merely to qualify, but going all the way to win the regional title was a historic feat.

At the nationals, scouts from Strathmore University took notice of Ooro's talent and invited him to trials in 2020.

Fortunately, his impressive B-minus in KCSE met the university’s academic requirements. However, despite his potential, his skills were deemed below par, and coach Louis Kisia advised him to refine his game.

“I was very tiny when I went for the trials, and the coach told me to go and work hard. He told me that I would not get a scholarship at that moment, but there could be some slots sometime to come. I did not lose hope. I went back home due to COVID-19. I can say COVID was just a way for me to work because no games were going on. So, it was a platform for me to get to the gym, build my body, and do some extras,” Ooro recalled.

Struggling to make ends meet, Ooro moved to Mathare Four, where he ran a makeshift gym, earning Ksh100 to Ksh150 per session. His mother also supported him by supplying sardines (omena), which he sold to sustain himself.

He later moved to Highrise Estate, sharing a two-bedroom house with fellow players Amos Mokoro, Trevor Opondo, and Daniel Kisakyamukama.

Determined to succeed, he returned for another trial at Strathmore and finally earned his spot.

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“I did not give up on Strathmore. When I went back for the trials, coach Kisia was like, ‘Who is this boy? This boy is big! I think I will give him a scholarship.’ He then called me and told me, ‘Bro, you have done a good job. I told you to go work, and you have made me proud. I will give you a scholarship,” he recalled with a smile.

With classes running from 8 AM to 5 PM, balancing school and finances was a challenge.

Ooro often skipped classes to work as a cement loader in Nairobi’s Industrial Area while also cooking and washing clothes for fellow students for extra income.

“What brought me to Nairobi was education before rugby came through. While at KCA, I used to train guys at the gym and sell omena on the streets to pay my rent and food,” he added.

Despite the hardships, Ooro’s dedication paid off when Kisia finally included him in Strathmore’s sevens team. His big break came at Embu Sevens, where Kisia taught him how to run while knocking down opponents. This proved crucial as Ooro quickly made a name for himself.

In 2022, he had a breakthrough season, making his World Rugby Sevens Series debut.

He became the first rookie to win the Sportsman of the Year award at Strathmore University, was crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) at Embu Sevens, and made the ‘Dream Team’ in five out of six National Sevens Circuit legs—Kabeberi, Christie, Dala, Prinsloo, and Kakamega. He also won Christie Sevens and was named MVP at Prinsloo Sevens.

That year, he and Dennis Abukuse were the only rookies named in Shujaa’s 12-man squad for the 2022/2023 World Rugby Sevens Series. He made his debut at the Hong Kong Sevens, coming on as a second-half substitute against Uruguay.

Kenya struggled in the series, eventually facing relegation playoffs at the London Sevens.

Despite accumulating 11 tries, Ooro suffered an injury and was sidelined. Kenya lost 12-7 to Canada, marking their first relegation since 2004.

Though he missed the 2024 Challenger Series, Ooro returned for the promotion and relegation playoffs in Madrid.

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In the quarterfinals against Germany, he delivered a standout moment, scoring one of Shujaa’s six tries in their 33-15 victory.

He celebrated with the now-famous “Anguya Nayo” dance as Kenya secured a return to the World Series. Since his 2022 debut, the Kenya Sevens co-captain has never missed an international assignment with Shujaa.

Now a third-year International Relations student at Strathmore University, Ooro has defied the odds.

“Where I come from, there is no rugby. Even in my former school, Chianda Boys, I was the first guy to be on the national team, and I am the first Olympian from that school. Cheers to the school and Nelson Oromo, who kept motivating me and advising me on how to play rugby,” he concluded.