Kenya Commercial Bank’s centre James Kilonzo is dead. Kilonzo was shot dead at an Mpesa shop in Kasarani on Monday night. According to eye witnesses, Kilonzo was accosted by two armed men who shot him and fled. He died while undergoing treatment at St. Francis Hospital according Kasarani OCPD Robinson Mboloi.
His body has been taken to City Mortuary as the family, club, friends and Kenya Rugby fraternity embarks on further plans. Kilonzo was part of the victorious KCB squad that lifted the Kenya and Enterprise Cup titles this year, beating Kabras in both finals. During the recent KCB 10-day training camp in South Africa, Kilonzo was named player of the tour. His rugby career started at Catholic Monks before crossing over to the Lions den in Ruaraka and many had earmarked him as a future Kenya Simbas’ player in the build up to next year’s Rugby World Cup qualifiers. Kilonzo death is the fourth in the rugby fraternity in less than one year following the demise of Nondies’ Ogeto Gacheo, Victor Wayodi of Mwamba in December last year and Homeboyz’ Andrew Wekesa in January this year.
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) have sent a message of condolence to the player’s family and to the club. “We join the Kenya rugby fraternity in mourning the untimely demise of KCB rugby player James Kilonzo, who passed on last night,” KCB skipper Curtis Lilako said. “You were one of the very best players. You held the 11,12,13 and 14 positions like a work of art. Our biggest argument was always who was the bigger bus and I always gave it to you. Rest in peace my brother. Till we meet again,” added Lilako.
Elsewhere, Kenya Simbas’ have moved up one place from 26 to 25 in the latest World rugby rankings following their 41-22 win over Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Kenya recorded bonus point victory, scoring five tries to the Sables three tries in an entertaining match. Kenya now lie second on the log with 17 points, two pints behind holders Namibia. The two sides clash this weekend in Windhoek in winner take all affair. Namibia are ranked 21 after hammering Uganda 48-24 in Kampala. Zimbabwe are ranked 36 with Uganda spot, behind with Morocco 42nd Senegal 50 and Tunisia 51st.