New Faces Join Shujaa as Kenya Names Safari Sevens Squad

Kenya’s national rugby sevens team, Shujaa, has included three debutants in its squad for the 2026 Safari Sevens as the defending champions prepare to compete at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

Head coach Kevin Wambua selected Elvis Olukusi, Glacious Owino and Rayvone Ambale following their impressive performances, with the trio earning an opportunity to represent the national team at the tournament held from October 9 to 11.

The selection comes after Kenya’s triumph at the Mauritius Sevens, where the team demonstrated its competitiveness ahead of the home tournament.

Owino, a half-back from Menengai Oilers, earned his call-up after making an impression during the National Sevens Circuit. The 21-year-old previously attended St Mary’s School, Yala, and has been working towards securing a permanent place in the national side.

His performances have strengthened his ambitions of progressing to the international stage, although he acknowledges the competition for places in Shujaa remains intense.

Ambale, a 20-year-old associated with Kabras Sugar, has also been rewarded for his development and performances. The fly-half previously featured for Kenya Morans and will now have an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities at the highest level of domestic and international sevens competition.

Olukusi completes the trio of new faces after contributing to Kenya’s recent success in Mauritius.

The squad combines emerging talent with experienced players as Shujaa seek to maintain their dominance at the annual tournament.

George Ooro and Samuel Asati will serve as co-captains, supported by John Okoth, Gabriel Ayimba and Brian Mutua. The remaining members are Nygel Amaitsa, Festus Safari, Patrick Odongo and Victor Odhiambo.

Kenya will be without Vincent Onyala and Kevin Wekesa, who had not trained with the team, while Tony Omondi and Chrisant Ojwang were unavailable because of injuries.

Shujaa successfully defended their Safari Sevens title in the previous edition and entered the 2026 competition seeking another trophy on home soil.

The tournament also provides an opportunity for the technical bench to assess players ahead of upcoming international assignments. Wambua is expected to use the competition to evaluate his options as Kenya prepares for the next phase of the World Rugby Sevens competition.

Beyond Shujaa, Kenya Morans will also compete at Safari Sevens, with Clinton Amukwachi and Dennis Ndayala named as co-captains.

The tournament offers emerging players an opportunity to gain experience, demonstrate their abilities and strengthen their claims for future national team selection.

For Owino, Ambale and Olukusi, the call-ups mark an important step in their rugby careers as they seek to establish themselves in the national setup.