Could ‘massive’ Munyua win spark darts boom in Kenya?

When the president of your nation congratulates you in writing, you can tell that you have accomplished something special.

Following his historic victory at the PDC World Championship on Thursday, Kenyan David Munyua received exactly that from William Ruto.

Know that the country is standing in your way as you move on to the next stage, Ruto wrote. Bring home the trophy, please.

World No. 18 Mike de Decker defeated debutant Munyua in the first round, which was one of the biggest upsets in the history of the tournament.

The 30-year-old made his debut at Alexandra Palace by two sets before winning 3-2 over the 2024 World Grand Prix winner.

“That was huge for everyone,” said Co-founder of Sirua Darts, the organization’s official affiliate, the Kenya Darts Association, Dann Korori.

Before making the trip to London for the World Championship, Munyua had never left Africa. He practices as a full-time veterinary technician at home.

The location of his shock victory was close to Chelsea’s home games at Stamford Bridge, which he and his wife enjoy playing there.

Before making his debut appearance on the stage, Munyua reportedly purchased his match-winning Cam Crabtree-design darts from a nearby store a few days prior.

Munyua and De Decker competed in a five-set thriller with the help of some impressive dance moves, plenty of passion, and a close encounter with the wasp from Alexandra Palace.

He also seems to be very upbeat in this regard. We had to instruct him to “tone it down until he wins a set,” Korori explained.

“I think that’s why, when he had a double to win the second set, I think it got to his head.

He has a golf switch in Kenya that reads “On the stage.” The fishing net is then thrown into the water by him as he swings his hands. After each leg, he pulls that. He seemed happy to see him enjoying himself on stage.

It was a good stage for him because he interacts well with the fans who were behind him. Fans, in my opinion, had a lot of motivation for him. He took advantage of the opportunity.

Munyua’s work as a vet frequently sees him balancing his darts career with looking after animals in addition to his passion and adoration for the fans.

“We played the Nairobi Darts Masters last week.” He was chosen for the knockouts, Korori said.

He then said, “Oh tomorrow morning, I have to look after a few cows, then I’ll be here by ten.”

Munyua is Kenya’s first-ever PDC World Championship representative. The most successful African player in PDC history, Devon Petersen, sent Munyua a video wishing him well before facing De Decker.

Peter Wachiuri, a native of Kenya, impressed on his Modus Super Series debut this year.

Football and athletics are Kenya’s main sports. They hope this will pique new interest in the sport for those who play darts around the nation.

Korori continued, “It’s something that has been cooking, and we were just waiting for that one moment for this to blow up.”

Everyone is now using it, they say. We should fill an Ally Pally, in my opinion, in the next year or two.