Kenya Harlequins players threaten to boycott Kabeberi 7s over unpaid dues

Citizen Digital can authoritatively report that the Ngong Road-based outfit, also the reigning champions of the National Sevens Circuit, have not trained since the Embu 7s, casting doubt on their preparedness for the fifth leg of the series which begins on Saturday.

A player, who requested anonymity, revealed that the absence of training sessions has left morale at an all-time low.

“We have not trained since Embu, yet we are expected to play at Kabeberi. Some of us who feature in the circuit are owed up to two months in salaries and unpaid training allowances."

"The team is not motivated, and that has led us to skip training, escalating to a possible boycott of Kabeberi 7s."

Among the grievances are the settlement of pending arrears for Kenya Cup and ESS players from the 2024 season, full payment of July arrears and stipends, and clearance of August stipends for the 7s players.

Players are also demanding accountability over the welfare of injured teammates.

Arnold Onzere, Charles Orwa, Wiseman Aganya, and Moses Matonda are among those who have undergone surgery while representing the club in various competitions, but have allegedly been left without financial or medical support.

Questions over the proceeds of the recently concluded Christie 7s, hosted at RFUEA Grounds, have further fueled discontent.

Players accuse officials of failing to honour commitments despite the successful staging of the event.

The squad is also pushing for binding written contracts between players and the executive committee, with the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) fully involved, arguing that past reliance on verbal promises has repeatedly left them short-changed.

On the circuit standings, Quins sit fourth with 52 points, 30 behind leaders KCB, who have amassed 82 points from the opening four legs.

At Kabeberi, Quins are drawn in Group B alongside Strathmore Leos, Mwamba, and Impala, but their participation now hangs in the balance.

The unfolding standoff at Quins not only threatens their appearance at Kabeberi 7s but also exposes the deeper cracks in Kenyan rugby’s management and player welfare structures.