Kenya Cup: Kabras, Oilers off to statement victories as Leos grab varsity derby bragging rights

The 2025/26 Kenya Cup season kicked off in earnest, with fireworks flying across the country as defending champions Kabras RFC laid down the gauntlet, Strathmore Leos edged Kenyatta University in a thriller, and Menengai Oilers produced the weekend’s biggest scoreline.

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Kabras crush MMUST in Lurambi Derby

Kabras RFC opened their 12th Kenya Cup campaign with a ruthless 67-6 demolition of MMUST in the Lurambi Derby at the Kakamega Showground.

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The match carried extra weight for MMUST, as it also held bragging rights with the students being the only side to have beaten Kabras since February 2022, narrowly edging them 14-13 at the Victoria 15s tournament in November 2023.

But in the league, history has never been on their side, and Kabras ensured it stayed that way.

Coming into the fixture with 10 straight matchday-one victories, including a 56-0 win over MMUST in 2021, the Sugarmen made their intentions clear from kickoff.

Early tries from Asuman Mugerwa and Jeanson Misoga set the tone, with playmaker Jone Kubu converting Misoga’s effort for a 12-0 lead.

Former Kabras fly-half Flavian Otiyo momentarily lifted MMUST spirits with a booming penalty, but Kabras responded immediately, scrum-half Roy Maruti sniping over before last season’s top try scorer, Griffin Chao, opened his 2025 account with a trademark finish on the right. MMUST added a late penalty to trail 26-6 at halftime.

After the break, Kabras turned on the screw. Mugerwa completed his brace before Kubu dummied through for another.

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A rolling maul, a dazzling solo run from Barry Robinson, a powerful finish by substitute Teddy Akala, and Chao’s second try widened the gulf. Maruti sealed the statement victory by pouncing on a loose ball to close the match at 67-6.

Strathmore Leos edge Blak Blad in varsity derby thriller

At the Blad Bin, Strathmore Leos kicked off their season on a high, edging Kenyatta University in a tightly contested 32-30 varsity derby.

The last time these two sides met was in March, where Blak Blad saw off the Leos 39-31. This time, the visitors had the last laugh.

Oilers, KCB run riot

Newly promoted Daystar Falcons were handed a harsh Kenya Cup welcome after Menengai Oilers tore through them 76-16 at the ASK Nakuru Showground.

Gibson Weru’s charges, tipped as title contenders this season, showed no mercy as they racked up try after try in a dominant display.

KCB Rugby were equally ruthless at the Ruaraka Sports Club, overwhelming Impala RFC 87-5. The last meeting between the two sides had ended 64-9 in March 2025, and Saturday’s result showed the gulf has only widened.

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Quins survive Nakuru scare as Nondies start strong

Kenya Harlequin survived a nervy contest at the RFUEA Grounds to beat Nakuru RFC 20-15, signalling their intent to reassert themselves as genuine challengers this season.

Nondies RFC, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a convincing 36-12 victory over Kisumu RFC, marking a positive start as they aim to build consistency.

The Kenya Cup returns next weekend with another round of high-stakes fixtures.