Rugby sensation Wilson Tonya revels in meteoric rise to the top

From humble beginnings in 2021 at Vihiga Boys High School, Tonya’s journey started not with a try, but with a tackle on a football pitch.

“My rugby journey started back in 2021 when I joined Vihiga Boys High School as a Form One,” he recalled. “I was inspired by Sebastian Makalek who is now an assistant SNC at KCB rugby.”

Tonya, a natural at physical play, found himself constantly clashing with teammates during football matches. Friends who noticed his raw aggression nudged him toward a different sport, rugby.

“I used to play football and push other players around. They kept telling me to try rugby, and it actually went well for me.”

That gentle push changed his life forever.

Fast forward to 2025, and Tonya is now turning heads at Menengai Oilers, a Kenya Cup powerhouse he fondly calls his “dream club.” Wearing the Oilers jersey has brought not just opportunity, but transformation.

“Joining Menengai Oilers has helped me to gain a lot of fitness, maturity, and exposure due to the many games I’ve played,” he said. “Personally, Menengai Oilers have placed me somewhere on the map where I can be identified better than before.”

Yet the journey has been anything but easy. Competing for playtime in a team loaded with talent and experience has taught Tonya the value of patience, resilience, and preparation.

“The bigger challenge is the competition from older players who have been in the club longer,” he explained. “I overcome it by utilizing the smaller opportunities I get. I really express myself so that I may be the best one day. Everything is a process.”

And that process is paying off.

In 2024, he was crowned the Scrummage Katch 7s Most Valuable Player after guiding Vihiga to win the first edition.

Tonya recently earned a spot in Kenya’s Under-20 national team, Chipu, for the 2025 Barthes Cup campaign where Kenya finished second, a moment of validation and pride for the young winger.

“It’s a great opportunity that I cannot take for granted,” he said. “Being part of Chipu 2025 means a lot to my rugby journey. It shows progress in me and gives me international experience. It’s also a happy moment meeting people from different backgrounds and playing with diversity.”

His success, he says, is not his alone.

“My family has really supported me through prayers, financially, and even through advice and encouragement.”

Tonya also credits his coaches and mentors Mr. Abdalla Abubakar, Coach Gibson, Coach Ominde, and Timothy Omela for nurturing his talent and instilling the discipline needed to thrive in elite rugby.

Looking ahead, Tonya’s vision is as bold as his tackles.

“My long-time goal is to play with Menengai Oilers and win many cups the Kenya Cup, Enterprise Cup, and more. I also work hard so that I may one day play for Kenya Sevens ‘Shujaa’ and help them win titles too.”

As he continues to climb the ranks, Tonya carries with him the humility of his beginnings and the fire of his ambition.