‘Kulabu’s’ home for 43 years is gone
Mwamba Rugby Club, popularly known as ‘Kulabu’ has lost its traditional home ground, the Nairobi Railways Club (NRC), where they have been playing their home matches for the last 43 years following the demolitions that began yesterday to effect a government directive that parcels of land around the Club be possessed for the construction of the Nairobi Expressway.
The government through Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has partnered with China Roads and Bridges Cooperation to implement the project.
Occupants of the earmarked parcels of land within the sports club were given a eight-hour notice to vacate the premises and demolitions started yesterday.
Mwamba, through the club’s twitter account called for calm amongst their stakeholders even as they strive to address the issue with the railway club.
“The club wishes to address itself on the ongoing activities around NRC, our home for he last 43 years.
We are aware that sections of the grounds have been earmarked for excision for the development of the Nairobi Expressway,” the tweet read.
It continued: “The targeted areas will definitely have an impact on our activities as a club.
We are therefore consulting the NRC to access the extend of the impact and weighing our options.
We urge our players, staff, members and fans to remain calm as we address the unforeseen events.”
Controversy has marred the 27km project meant to connect the eastern side of town, from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, to the western part, around James Gichuru road.
Previous protests, including g a protest against part of the road going through Uhuru Park, have forced the government to redesign sections of the road.
The development may see Mwamba adopt a new home at the University of Nairobi grounds where they have all along been referring to as their second home.
The club was the first one in the country to be formed by indgeneous Africans, a majority of them being former students of the University of Nairobi and the team’s all-black strip was supposed to be a rebellion against Nondies’ all-white kit.
Amongst some star players who have played for Mwamba, one of the oldest rugby clubs in the country include former 7’s top try scorer Collins Injera, his elder brother Humphrey Kayange, Lavin Asego among others.
