NAIROBI, Kenya - Menengai Oilers confirmed their status as a dominant force in Kenyan fifteen-a-side rugby by successfully defending their Impala Floodlit title, overcoming Nondescripts RFC 32-20 in a hard-fought final on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The victory, sealed under the iconic lights of the Impala Club, marks the Nakuru-based club's second consecutive championship in the prestigious pre-season tournament.

The final, played in front of a passionate Nairobi crowd, was a physical and tactical battle. The Oilers, coached by Gibson Weru, signaled their intent early. Captain Ibrahim Ayoo led by example, scoring a try just four minutes into the match to give the defending champions an early lead. Chrispine Shitundo followed up with another try minutes later, and with a successful conversion, the Oilers established a 12-0 advantage.

Nondescripts, chasing their first Floodlit crown since 2012, showed immense character to fight back. The Rangers, who had suffered final defeats to KCB in 2022 and 2023, found their rhythm through winger Ryan Odrua, who scored two crucial tries in the first half to keep his team in contention. Despite Nondies' efforts, the Oilers' forward pack proved formidable, executing a powerful maul from a lineout that saw Aturo touch down for his second try, taking the score to 24-15 at halftime after a late Nondies penalty.

Second Half Firepower Seals the Win

Nondescripts emerged from the break with renewed determination. An excellent attacking move was finished by winger Lamec Ambetsa, narrowing the deficit to just four points at 24-20 and setting the stage for a tense final quarter. However, the Oilers' experience and attacking prowess shone through when it mattered most. Winger Beldad Ogeta produced a moment of individual brilliance, breaking through the Nondies defensive line for a stunning 40-metre solo try that shifted the momentum decisively back to the Nakuru side. A final penalty in the 70th minute extended their lead to 32-20, a margin they defended resolutely until the final whistle to secure the championship.

A Statement of Intent

The Impala Floodlit tournament, now in its 42nd edition, has long been the traditional curtain-raiser for the Kenya Cup season, offering teams a crucial platform to test their squads and strategies. For Menengai Oilers, this victory is more than just silverware; it is a powerful statement of their ambitions for the upcoming season. Their path to the final was challenging, notably including a dramatic 16-13 quarter-final victory over perennial giants KCB Rugby, a match won by a last-minute penalty. This resilience, coupled with their clinical performance in the final, positions them as serious contenders for the Kenya Cup title.

Formed in 2016, the rise of the Menengai Oilers has been a significant development in Kenyan rugby. The club, which gained promotion to the top-flight Kenya Cup in 2017, has steadily grown into a powerhouse, disrupting the long-standing dominance of Nairobi-based clubs. This second Floodlit title erases the memory of their first final appearance in 2019, where they lost to KCB, and builds on their maiden victory in 2024. For Nondescripts, while the final ended in disappointment, their performance throughout the tournament signals a potential resurgence for one of Kenya's oldest rugby clubs.

As the focus now shifts to the 2025/2026 Kenya Cup season, the Menengai Oilers have firmly established themselves as the team to watch. Their back-to-back Floodlit victories have not only brought glory to Nakuru but have also intensified the competition at the pinnacle of Kenyan club rugby.