Africa-Press – Kenya. Mwamba, Mombasa, Homeboyz and Mean Machine were the most active KRU Championship sides in the mid-season transfer window. Mombasa RFC demonstrated their intention to return to the Kenya Cup by signing 16 players. They raided the Nationwide side Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Marines for Aron Muinde, Herbert Makame, Roy Otieno and Benedict Odero. The club also signed 12 upcoming players ahead of the league resumption on January 10. Mwamba Rugby, who are seeking a quick return to the Kenya Cup, acquired 13 players. They include the former Impala duo of Gideon Makumi and Martin Okoth. Others are Dominic Samita from second-tier league rivals Homeboyz and Stephen Arunga from Menengai Oilers. The Goan Institute-based outfit also signed nine free agents. The club was relegated from the Kenya Cup last season and are angling for a return after hiring former national Sevens coach Paul Murunga. Nairobi University’s Mean Machine secured Nick Ooko and Duncan Shamalla from Kabete Stallions. Also joining the varsity side is Brian Mwanga from Nondescripts. Nine other youngsters joined the team. KRU Championship log leaders, the Catholic University of East Africa’s Monks, signed seven players. Kevin Mbogo, formerly of Mean Machine and Ngong’ Warriors’ Dennis Arasa are among their top signings. Homeboyz loaned out Dan Muiruri and Michael Nyakundi to the Nationwide side Kabarak University. Newcomers National Youth Service (NYS) Spades signed TUM Marines’ Ephraim Baraza, while Kisii RFC signed experienced Bob Onchong’a and Valentine Odoyo from Kisumu RFC. Onchong’a, who is also the interim Kisii RFC chairman, said he decided to join the team, together with Odoyo, due to their experience and to provide leadership on the pitch. Struggling former Kenya Cup side Western Bulls signed eight players and lost Henry Njite to Kakamega neighbours Masinde Murilo University of Science and Technology (MMUST). United States International University – Africa (USIU-A) Martials, JKUAT Cougars, and Zetech Oaks were inactive during the window, which closed on December 31.
