Memorable date with President Uhuru Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday rewarded the triumphant Kenya Sevens team with Sh10 million.

The mock lineout with skipper Andrew Amonde and William “Lomu” Ambaka lifting President up for the catch from deputy skipper Collins Injera is what started the glorious four-hour session with Kenya Sevens.

It was all cheers when Kenyatta delivered the lineout ball to Humphrey Kayange before going on to congratulate the team for their maiden victory in the World Rugby Sevens Series. Kenya stunned defending champions Fiji 30-7 in a cracking final in the Singapore leg on Sunday.

Kenyatta urged the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and team sponsors Kenya Airways to ensure the players are paid all match bonuses, among other issues. He pledged to rally corporates on their behalf and support them in the remaining Paris and London legs, going into the Rio Olympics.

“I am greatly honoured to fete our Shujaas the Kenya Sevens team at State House,” Kenyatta said. “The team has done Kenya proud and I’m happy to be able to congratulate them in person.

“Thank you for carrying the day and leading our country to glory.

“I have also announced a Sh10 million government token of appreciation to the team for their exemplary performance. God bless Kenya and may the Kenya Sevens team win many more titles for our Nation.”

KRU chairman Richard Omwela recalled the spontaneity of the visit: “We arrived late for the 4pm meeting because of the security checks at the gate. We found the President already outside State House waiting for us…. It was a humbling experience.”

Amonde then presented the President with the trophy while coach Benjamin Ayimba helped him to wear a Kenya Sevens jersey.