Historically, sports, besides being competitive entertainment, have always been a tool to unite the masses, celebrate cultures, and even agitate a little, not much.
Well, Minto 7s, rebranded from Kisii 7s this year, fired up Gusii Studium the past weekend of 20th -21st December, bringing the Omogusii Spirit alive with chants and music, blood and sweat, as 16 teams from the Lake region, Western, and the South Rift got down to compete for the title.
“This edition is especially meaningful to us as we celebrate and honor our fallen hero, Raila Odinga, whose legacy continues to inspire unity, resilience, and excellence,” said Walter Orangi, the tournament Director.
Rugby On the Road (ROR) clinched the 2025 title (Raila Odinga Cup) by defeating Kisii RFC 19-5 in the final.
Kenyan Olympian Nygel Amaitsa OLY (@NeNg631), highlighting the camaraderie and sportsmanship of the players, commented, "Wasee wanatoa tu jezi waliexchange kwa camera hapo #minto7s hitilafu”
Premiering in 2014, in its early years (circa 2015), elite Kenyan players like Michael Wanjala (later a Kenya Cup and National Sevens champion) competed in the tournament, which has since been hailed as a platform for future stars.
The stands at Gusii Stadium told their own story, families, students, former players, and first-time fans packed the terraces, turning the venue into a carnival of colour, song, and shared identity.
Local artists and DJs kept the energy high between matches, while vendors lined the outskirts, transforming the grounds into a social and economic hub for the weekend.
In many ways, the tournament mirrored rugby’s grassroots power in Kenya: deeply communal, proudly local, and emotionally charged.
The competition also highlighted the growing importance of regional tournaments in strengthening Kenya’s rugby pipeline.
With established clubs like Kisumu RFC & Nakuru RFC and emerging sides like Winam sharing the same pitch, Minto 7s offered younger players a rare opportunity to test themselves against experienced opposition while performing in front of a passionate crowd.
As the tournament continues to evolve under its new identity, organizers and fans alike hope it will retain its community soul while attracting broader recognition.
