Heavyweights Kabras, Oilers clash as Kenya Cup enters decisive final round

The 2026 Kenya Cup regular season reaches its climax on Saturday with a string of high-stakes fixtures across the country, headlined by the highly anticipated Rai derby between Kabras Sugar RFC and Menengai Oilers RFC at the ASK Showground in Kakamega.

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The heavyweight clash could prove decisive in determining who finishes top of the standings, with Kabras eager to secure a victory that would guarantee them first place heading into the playoffs.

The Nakuru-based Oilers, however, will arrive equally motivated knowing that a win could propel them to either second or even first position, depending on the outcome of the fixture between KCB Rugby and Daystar Falcons.

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Oilers name strong squad for Kakamega test

Menengai Oilers have named a formidable matchday squad for the trip to Kakamega as they look to make a statement in the business end of the season.

Lock Ibrahim Ayoo will captain the side and partner Wallace Onyango in the second row as the visitors aim to assert physical dominance up front.

The front row features former Kabras trio Victor Were at loosehead prop, Fortune Aturo at hooker, and Destrious Ifedha at tighthead prop.

In the back row, Jadah Abdon starts on the blindside flank while co-captain Amos Obae takes up the openside role, with Collins Kabayo completing the loose trio at number eight.

Samson Onsomu and Samuel Mwaura form the halfback pairing at scrum-half and fly-half, respectively. On the wings, Alvin Khavoli and Daniel Kipchirchir provide pace, while Abutwalib Wesonga slots in at fullback.

Brian Achacha and Philip Okeyo will marshal the midfield as the Oilers search for an attacking spark against the defending champions.

On the bench, the Oilers have named Emmanuel Mulindo, Allan Ochieng, and Vincent Mwikhali as front row cover, while Nelson Makokha and Elkeans Musonye reinforce the pack. Clarkson Keegan, Chrispine Shitundo and Beldad Ogeta complete the backline options.

Kabras retain lineup ahead of crucial showdown

Defending champions Kabras Sugar have retained the starting lineup that featured against KCB Rugby last weekend as they prepare for their final regular-season fixture.

Edward Mwaura starts at loosehead prop with Eugine Sifuna at hooker and Asuman Mugerwa at tighthead. Hilary Odhiambo partners with Shem Joseph in the second row.

Captain George Nyambua anchors the back row at blindside flanker alongside Patrick Lumumba on the openside and Jeanson Misoga at number eight.

Roy Maruti starts at scrum-half with Barry Young directing play from fly-half. Walter Okoth and Derrick Ashiundu line up in midfield while Griffin Chao and Mathias Osimbo take the wing positions. Eric Cantona completes the back three at fullback.

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Kabras have also been boosted by the return of Ephraim Oduor to the matchday squad after serving his suspension.

KCB out to school Daystar Falcons

Elsewhere, KCB will be keen to end the regular season on a high when they face Daystar Falcons in Athi River. The Bankers know that an Oilers victory in Kakamega could hand them top spot thanks to their head-to-head win advantage over Oilers.

In Nairobi, Impala RFC hosts Nondescripts RFC in the Ngong Road derby at the Impala Club. The hosts are still flirting dangerously with relegation despite having a game in hand and currently sit tenth on 12 points.

In Kisumu, Kisumu RFC welcome KU Blak Blad at the ASK Mamboleo Showground. The hosts appear to have all but accepted their relegation fate, while the visitors will be determined to cement their place in the playoffs.

At the Strathmore Sports Complex, Strathmore Leos take on Kenya Harlequin. Leos have already secured their postseason spot, while Quins sit seventh and remain in pursuit of a late surge into the playoff places.

The final fixture pits MMUST RFC against Nakuru RFC in a tense relegation battle in Kakamega. MMUST, second from bottom with 10 points despite having a game in hand, remain in a precarious position, while Nakuru, currently ninth with 18 points, know that unfavourable results elsewhere could still drag them toward the drop zone.

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Kenya Cup Week 11 Fixtures (Saturday, 3 pm):

MMUST vs Nakuru RFC – Masinde Muliro

Strathmore Leos vs Kenya Harlequin – Strathmore University Sports Complex

Kisumu RFC vs KU Blak Blad – ASK Mamboleo, Kisumu

Impala RFC vs Nondescripts – Impala Club

Daystar Falcons vs KCB Rugby – Daystar University, Athi River

Kabras Sugar vs Menengai Oilers – ASK Showground, Kakamega