How rugby is now covering Kenya Sevens' father's medical bills despite previous reluctance
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 16.06.25. | 16:06
Ojwang was raised in Homa Bay town in a humble home, and his path to national stardom was far from smooth
As the world marked International Father's Day on Sunday, 15 June, Nakuru RFC and Kenya Sevens centre Chrissant Ojwang had more reasons than most to reflect on the bond he shares with his father, Joseph Austin Ojwang.
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What moves Ojwang the most is that even though his father did not initially endorse his decision to pursue rugby, he still stood by him.
That solid support could be the very reason Ojwang affectionately refers to his father as "the mighty Joseph Austin Ojwang" or simply "baddie." It is a playful but respectful nod to the man who never walked away.
“I refer to him as the mighty Joseph Austin Ojwang. He is my dad. He is 79 years old. This fella, I call him a baddie, because he was against me playing rugby, because he wanted me to study. Regardless, he supported me despite not agreeing to my decisions,” Ojwang said.
Looking back, Ojwang now sees his father’s initial resistance to his rugby career as a blessing in disguise. While it was frustrating at the time, that push to prioritise academics enabled him to complete his studies.
“But him being against me playing rugby has enabled me to finish pursuing Medical Engineering at the Technical University of Mombasa. He stamped history in my life,” he offered.
Ironically, despite completing his studies, it is rugby that is now footing his father’s medical bills. Ojwang finds it almost poetic that the very game his father once feared would derail his future has become the lifeline sustaining their family.
“I appreciate this fella. Of late, he has been sickly, but daddy you know I've always got your back. The same rugby you did not want me to play is the same one paying your hospital bills,” he concluded.
Ojwang was raised in Homa Bay town in a humble home, and his path to national stardom was far from smooth.
He discovered his rugby talent at Kakamega High School, not just as a sport, but as a shield against bullying and a source of discipline.
His breakthrough came in 2016, during a tense final against Bungoma High School. With scores tied 3-3, he converted a crucial kick, sending Kakamega to the national championships.
The next morning, his mother called his class teacher, saying, “The guy on the newspaper is my son. Is he still playing?”
From that point, family support solidified. Ojwang captained Kakamega to a national 15s and East African title, becoming a double champion.
With guidance from coach Mitch Ocholla, Ojwang joined Strathmore Leos on a scholarship, and later followed Mitch to Nakuru RFC. He has since grown to be a regular with the Kenya Sevens.
His momentum hit a bump in December 2024 when a leg injury cut short his Dubai 7s campaign.
But like every other challenge before, he bounced back. Now back in camp with Shujaa, Ojwang is preparing for the Africa Men’s 7s tournament set for Saturday, 21 to Sunda,y 22 June in Mauritius.
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