Strathmore Leos will dedicate their Kabeberi 7s campaign to the memory of Uganda international Hamza Muhaise as the third leg of the 2026 SportPesa National 7s Circuit gets underway at the RFUEA Grounds.
Leos captain Gabriel Ayimba confirmed that the team will honour Muhaise during the tournament following the tragic death of the Ugandan fly-half earlier this week.
Muhaise collapsed and died on Wednesday shortly after a training session, sending shockwaves through the rugby fraternity in Kenya and Uganda. Before joining Strathmore Leos, he featured for Ugandan side Black Pirates.
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Leos to dedicate Kabeberi 7s campaign to departed Hamza Muhaise
Ayimba admitted that the sudden loss has made preparations for Kabeberi particularly difficult but believes the squad can draw inspiration from Muhaise’s contribution to the team and the wider rugby community.
“Coming into this Kabeberi 7s, we had done our preparations here and there, but unfortunately, we received the bad news. It is going to be a hard tournament for us, and of course, we are dedicating it to Hamza,” Ayimba said during the Kabeberi 7s captains’ shoot.
The Leos skipper added that the team has also worked on correcting the weaknesses that have affected their performances in the opening legs of the circuit, with the players determined to produce a stronger showing at Kabeberi.
“From the past tournaments, we have worked on the things that were not working for us and which allowed our opponents to punish us. This time, we are coming ready for the tournament,” he added.
In honour of Muhaise and his contribution to the rugby family, the Kenya Rugby Union announced that all first-round matches at Kabeberi 7s across Division One, Division Two and the Ladies category will observe a minute of silence before kick-off.
The tribute will provide an emotional moment for the rugby community as players, coaches and supporters come together to remember the late fly-half.
On the field, Strathmore will be looking to use the tournament as an opportunity to revive their fortunes after a difficult start to the 2026 National 7s Circuit.
The university side has retained several experienced players in its 13-man squad, with Ayimba joined by Shem Okola, Patrick Kluivert, Stanslaus Shikoli, Arnold Muita, Victor Mola, Amon Wamalwa, Elton Amalemba and Collins Maina.
Salim Owino, Brian Mwenda, Morgan Ochiel and Dennis Tubei complete the squad for the George Mwangi Kabeberi Memorial 7s.
The Leos have recently been among the competitive sides on the National 7s Circuit, but they have struggled to find consistency in the opening rounds this season. Kabeberi therefore presents an opportunity to rediscover their rhythm, build confidence and climb the standings.
Strathmore have been drawn in Pool B alongside hosts Mwamba RFC, Nondescripts RFC and CUEA Monks, setting up a demanding pool-stage campaign.
With the memory of Muhaise providing an additional source of motivation, the Leos will hope to channel their emotions into a strong performance on the pitch.
For Ayimba and his teammates, Kabeberi will be about more than results. It will be an opportunity to honour a teammate, friend and member of the rugby family while fighting for a much-needed turnaround in their season.
Strathmore Leos Kabeberi 7s Squad
Gabriel Ayimba, Dennis Tubei, Shem Okola, Patrick Kluivert, Stanslaus Shikoli, Arnold Muita, Collins Maina, Victor Mola, Brian Mwenda, Amon Wamalwa, Salim Owino, Elton Amalemba and Morgan Ochiel.
Technical Bench
Head Coach:Willis Ojal
Assistant Coach: Bethuel Anami
Team Manager: Harold Tende
Physiotherapist: Nashon Owino
SNC Coach: Joseph Gacheru
Video Analyst: Evans Bett
Media: Grace and Tito
