Defending champions Kabras Sugar RFC etched their name deeper into Kenyan rugby folklore after clinching a historic fifth consecutive Kenya Cup title with a hard-fought 14-08 victory over KCB Rugby in a nerve-jarring 2025/2026 Kenya Cup final played at the ASK Showground in Kakamega on Saturday afternoon.
The much-anticipated clash had already begun on a tense note after kick-off was pushed forward by 30 minutes from the initial 3:00 PM schedule to 3:30 PM due to the heavy downpour that was ongoing during the Eric Shirley shield game.
When centre referee Constant Cap finally blew the whistle to get proceedings underway, fans were treated to a fierce tactical contest between two sides determined to leave everything on the field. The opening 30 minutes were characterized by relentless defensive pressure, physical collisions and territorial battles, with neither side managing to register points on the scoreboard.
KCB enjoyed the better share of territory during the opening exchanges, camping deep inside the Kabras 22 for long periods. Their persistence eventually paid off when they earned a penalty opportunity, with fly-half Brian Wahinya calmly slotting it through the posts to hand the bankers a slender 3-0 lead.
The scoreline remained unchanged heading into the halftime break, though KCB suffered a major setback in the closing moments of the first half after Festus Shiasi was shown a yellow card, temporarily reducing the visitors to fourteen men.
The second half burst into life almost immediately as Ntabeni Dukisa fresh off the bench showcased his composure from the boot, drilling home two penalty kicks to swing the advantage in favor of the Sugarmen.
However, the momentum would soon shift once again as indiscipline crept into Kabras’ game. Both Ephraim Oduor and Patrick Lumumba were sent to the sin bin simultaneously, leaving the hosts with just thirteen men on the pitch.
KCB capitalized on the numerical advantage almost instantly, spreading the ball wide for Shiasi to dive over in the corner for the game’s opening try and reclaim the lead for the bankers. The conversion attempt, however, drifted wide, leaving the scores delicately poised.
Dukisa’s reliable boot once again came to Kabras’ rescue as he converted another crucial penalty to edge the hosts back ahead at 9-8.With the match hanging in the balance, the Sugarmen continued piling pressure on the KCB defense until they finally found the decisive breakthrough. A powerful rolling maul near the try line culminated in a try that ultimately sealed the championship for the hosts, while KCB’s Elvis Olukusi was also sent to the sin bin during the tense passage of play.
The final ten minutes proved to be a tense affair as KCB desperately searched for a late comeback, but Kabras held firm defensively to deny the bankers any further points. At the final whistle, the scoreboard read 14-08 in favor of the home side, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Kakamega faithful.
The triumph marks yet another milestone for coach Carlos Katywa and his charges, who have now dominated Kenyan rugby since lifting the Kenya Cup title in the 2021 season. By securing five consecutive championships, Kabras Sugar joins the prestigious Kenya Cup five-peat club alongside Nondescripts RFC and Impala RFC.
