Aquadel Pool Tournament: Makutano Writes Nairobi’s Obituary in Advance

Meru Pool table players at the Aquadel Sponsored Pool Tournament at Kwa Murugi. Photo/Felix Kinyua.

Ladies and gentlemen, we finally have the final cut. Nairobi opponents, this is your fair warning. And take it from me—a journalist who doesn’t need to pick sides but still enjoys poking fun at both.

On Saturday, destiny spoke. Out of Makutano’s finest, eight warriors survived the battle of sticks and pockets. To not mention them would be criminal, so allow me to give free publicity to the names now haunting Nairobi dreams: Renson Muita, Peter Gatobu, Timothy Kithinji, Boniface Mutethia, Nelson Mwirigi, Francis Mutwiri, Michael Irungu, and James Mutwiri.

Nairobi, these are not just names. These are your incoming problems.

But Aquadel, as usual, doesn’t just sponsor tournaments—they host full-blown soap operas.

First on stage: Kimathi Martin a.k.a. Kamani, Aquadel’s HR and Financial Controller. Instead of talking payslips, he schooled us on Aquadel’s journey—how they entered the market, left competitors wheezing, and created jobs for the youth. According to Kamani, this very tournament keeps Makutano youths away from vices. If only all HR officers were this inspiring, some of us would stop dodging them.

Next, Engineer Josiah Othiambo whispered sweet somethings about Aquadel’s new state-of-the-art machine. Something about reverse osmosis. Don’t ask me—I’m just a journalist. But from the way he spoke, I believe the machine could even filter out Nairobi excuses. No wonder Aquadel water is crème de la crème.

Mwenda James a.k.a. Ngango also graced the event, reminding players to register their group for more opportunities. Spoken like a man who knows Nairobi won’t give you a second chance if you show up unregistered.

Then came the highlight—Aquadel CEO, Patrick “Bloko” Rungu himself. Smiling like a man who already knows the results, Bloko took on guest player Kiambi a.k.a. Kapi, Kaaga Boys’ bursar, who had just spent his entire day celebrating the school’s 101 years. And guess what? The CEO still beat him. Imagine attending a century-old celebration then travelling to Makutano only to be beaten in pool. That’s friendship on steroids.

Fredrick Mutuma a.k.a. Tush was also in attendance. He saw my effort in covering these stories and spoiled me a bit. Keep it up, sir—this blog doesn’t write itself.

And let’s not forget Collins “Collo” Kinyua, the ever-patient tournament manager. The man has managed this event since day one. If patience was power, Collo would already be running this country.

Of course, Pablo, Aquadel’s spokesperson, showed up with his wife Yvonne. Pablo, consistency is your middle name. Respect.

Now all eyes turn to October 4th, when the winner will pocket Ksh 25,000 (or maybe 50k, because Meru rumours have legs).

Before I log out, a salute to our sponsors: Aquadel, Thorn Expeditions, and Mann Insurance. Without you, Nairobi would be walking in blindly, not knowing the storm that awaits.

Aquadel’s pool tournament isn’t just a competition—it’s a vibe, a warning, and a standing joke at Nairobi’s expense.

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About the Author

Felix Kinyua is a freelance journalist with a degree in Communication and Media and an MA in Public Policy and Administration. He writes stories spiced with humour and satire, telling it as it is—sometimes even better than it was.

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