Governor Anne Waiguru presenting a dummy cheque of Sh1.5m to Kianyaga Rising FC players at Wang'uru stadium on December 12, 2025/ ALICE WAITHERAKianyaga Rising FC has been crowned winner of Governor Anne Waiguru’s Sh1.5 million grand prize football tournament.
The team from Baragwi ward won the 10-month long tournament in a nail-biting showdown at Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea constituency after beating Kiamaina FC of Mutira ward 1-0.
Kianyaga Rising was awarded the grand prize for Season 2 of the tournament on Jamhuri Day by Waiguru before a crowd of about 5,000 spectators.
The team’s defining moment came on the 50th minute, when Ericson Magu broke the deadlock with a precise finish that sealed its win.
Despite Kiamaina FC’s relentless pressure and a spirited fight that kept fans on edge, the final whistle saw the team earn Sh1 million for finishing second.
Dennis Kariuki, the captain of Kianyaga FC, could not hide his excitement. Beaming with pride, he said the victory was well deserved, noting that it was the result of months of sacrifice and unwavering focus.
“I want to thank the governor for giving us an opportunity to showcase our talent. This a well-deserved win for my team,” he said.
Dennis Munene, the captain of Kiamaina FC, said his team had played an excellent match and accepted the outcome with grace.
“In every game, there must be a winner and one that falls short. There is always next time and we are hopeful we will lift the trophy next season,” he said.
Munene said the tournament has kept many young people away from alcohol and other drugs, and urged the county government to sustain the initiative to continue empowering the youth.
Kaitheri FC from Kerugoya ward emerged third after a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Kiburu FC from Mukure ward.
Kianyaga Rising and Kiamaina FC players battle it out in the finals of the Sh1.5m Waiguru tournament in Kirinyaga county/ ALICE WAITHERAWith the game tied 2-2 at full time, the referee called for penalties which culminated in Kaitheri winning on the ninth decisive spot-kick to secure Sh750,000, while Kiburu FC settled for Sh500,000 prize money.
In the women’s category, Lakers Queens FC from Murinduko ward beat Kiaga Queens FC from Kanyekiine ward 4-1 to walk away with Sh500,000 women’s grand prize.
The victory was powered by goals scored at the 42nd, 60th, 75th and 87th minutes by Damaris Wangige and captain Yvonne Gichobi.
Waiguru said the tournament was designed to nurture talent from the grassroots, with clubs competing from the ward level all the way to today’s county finals.
This year’s tournament brought together 180 teams (160 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams) from all 20 wards, engaging more than 4,500 youth directly.
“Beyond sport, the tournament has
served as a powerful platform for creating awareness on drug and substance
abuse, helping our young people embrace positive and productive lifestyles,”
Waiguru said.
The tournament, held under the theme “Fomu ni Futaa Badala ya Kamnyweso”, has increased cash awards from Sh7.24 million in Season 1 to Sh7.73 million.
Since the start of the initiative, several players have been scouted and invited to join high-profile clubs, including AFC Leopards. Fortune Sacco FC (NSL), Mwea United FC, Jumbo T FC and Kirinyaga Stars.
“Among these success stories is our very own Elias Mugane, who was scouted by Fortune Sacco while playing at the grassroots and has this year made a remarkable transition into the Kenya Premier League through AFC Leopards,” Waiguru said.
