Impala RFC pen glowing tribute after demise of Robert ‘Majei’ Aringo
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 09.06.26. | 22:00
The club noted that Aringo’s rise from the Impala ranks to the international stage was a testament to his exceptional ability and determination
Impala Rugby Club has paid an emotional tribute to former Kenya Sevens and Kenya Simbas player Robert 'Majei' Aringo following his untimely death.
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In a statement released on Tuesday, 9 June, the club described Aringo as a player whose impact extended far beyond the rugby field. He was further hailed as a versatile, talented and selfless teammate who left an indelible mark on Kenyan rugby.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that Impala Rugby Club mourns the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved brother and former player, Robert Eugene Odhiambo Aringo, affectionately known to his mates and adoring fans as ‘Majei’,” the statement read.
The club noted that Aringo’s rise from the Impala ranks to the international stage was a testament to his exceptional ability and determination.
They credited him with helping author some of Kenyan rugby’s most memorable moments, including Kenya’s historic 2016 Singapore Sevens triumph, the country’s only World Rugby Sevens Series title.
Impala also highlighted his contribution to the Kenya Simbas, saying he played a key role in the national team’s successful run that propelled Kenya to its highest-ever World Rugby ranking.
Fans, the club said, will remember Aringo for his memorable tries against Tunisia and Portugal, as well as his influential performances against higher-ranked nations such as Spain.
The tribute further celebrated Aringo’s remarkable versatility. According to the club, he excelled in multiple positions throughout his career, featuring in the back row, at centre and eventually at scrum-half.
“His positional versatility remains largely unprecedented. He did not merely fill these positions; he excelled in every single one of them,” the statement added.
Beyond his rugby ability, Impala explained that Aringo was revered for his dedication to teammates and willingness to put the team first. The club described him as the ultimate team player whose resilience, grit and unwavering commitment inspired those around him.
“Yet, beyond the accolades and the highlights, it was Majei’s diehard attitude and unwavering commitment to his teammates that truly set him apart,” the club stated.
Impala added that Aringo’s infectious personality, sense of humour and love for his teammates made him a cherished figure within the rugby fraternity.
The club concluded by expressing solidarity with Aringo’s family, friends and relatives and urged the rugby community to support them during the difficult period.
“Rest in Power, Majei. Your legacy will forever illuminate the Impala grounds and the history of Kenyan rugby,” the statement concluded.
Aringo’s rugby career began at St Mary’s School, Nairobi, where he was part of the side that finished third at the 2008 Kenya Secondary Schools National Championships at Kisii High School.
After school, he joined Impala Saracens, primarily featuring at scrum-half while also showcasing his versatility at inside centre.
His performances earned him a Kenya Sevens call-up under Mike Friday during the 2012/13 season before he announced himself on the global stage with a try on his World Series debut against Fiji at the 2014 Cape Town Sevens.
Aringo became a key member of the celebrated Kenya Sevens side that made history by winning the 2016 Singapore Sevens under coach Benjamin Ayimba.
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Alongside stars such as Collins Injera, Humphrey Kayange, William Ambaka, Andrew Amonde, Samuel Oliech and Nelson Oyoo, he helped Kenya claim its first-ever World Rugby Sevens Series title with a famous 30-7 victory over Fiji in the final.
He also represented the Kenya Simbas, featuring in the team’s historic 2014 Vodacom Cup campaign in South Africa and making his Test debut against Portugal on May 30, 2015, in a 46-15 victory at the RFUEA Grounds.
Aringo came from a family with strong rugby ties. His elder brother, Austin Aringo, played rugby at Maseno School in the late 1980s, while his father was former Education Minister and KANU chairman Peter Oloo-Aringo.