Cue Sticks, Cold Revenge & Vanishing Nairobians: A Night at Aquadel

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Meru Team displays their trophy after winning the Aquadel Sponsored Pool Tournament at Aquadel’s Carwash and Auto Spa. Photo/Felix Kinyua.

Happy Labour Day weekend, dear readers.


I won’t insult you by asking how your weekend was—because, frankly, it probably wasn’t anywhere near mine. And now that the hangover has respectfully vacated your system, allow me to explain why.


After what felt like a national waiting period (kuwachocha for centuries), Aquadel’s Pool Table Tournament finally happened. And if you missed it—my friend—today will be a difficult day for you. Not because of anything you did, but because of everything you didn’t experience.


You see, Aquadel events are like petrol in today’s economy—rare, valuable, and when they show up, everybody scrambles.


The Arrival

Pool lovers casually chill as they wait for the tournament to begin. Photo/Felix Kinyua.

I pulled up at Aquadel’s Carwash and Auto Spa slightly past 5 PM, thinking I was fashionably late. Rookie mistake. The place was already buzzing like a beehive on caffeine.


Chairman Alex Muguna was doing what chairmen do best—looking important and in control—while staff moved with the urgency of people who understand that this was not just an event… this was the event.


At that moment, I realized: I wasn’t attending a tournament. I had walked into Meru’s unofficial Olympics.



The Early Tension

Meru’s Cheering Squad led by Genz and Milan were well represented.  Photo/Felix Kinyua.

“Mbogi ya Meru” had arrived early—very early—already seated and radiating confidence. They waited patiently for the Nairobi Elite crew and Senior Team led by the mysterious Bwana Flash.


Let me translate that patience for you: they were waiting to serve revenge. Cold. Not chilled—cold.



Promises, Plans & Plots (Literally)

Aquadel’s Group Chairman Mr. Alex Muguna (in Black) having a brief with the Event officials before beginning of the tournament. Photo/Felix Kinyua. 

Before the games began, Kenneth Kinoti from Thorn Expeditions stepped up and promised us sherehe. Based on attendance alone, I can now confidently say: if these people plan your trip, you might accidentally end up at the United Nations.


The Chairman then casually announced that by December, prize money will jump to 100k, 75k, 50k, and 25k.


The MC translated this into language we all understand:


 “Hiyo ni plot moja Tharaka Nithi.”


Motivation levels? Through the roof.


Game On… and Beer Too

Sammy Kimathi thinks of the next move at the Aquadel’s Sponsored Pool Tournament.  Photo/Felix Kinyua 


At exactly 7 PM, the games began.


Nyama choma disappeared faster than Nairobi Elite’s confidence. Drinks flowed like a river that had just discovered gravity. Somewhere in between, Arsenal was playing—but fans were juggling between heartbreak on screen and triumph on the pool table.


Multitasking, Meru style.



The Plot Twist Nairobi Didn’t See Coming

Parts of the Nairobi’s Team travelling fans and players follow the Aquadel Sponsored Pool Tournament at Aquadel’s Carwash and Auto Spa. Photo/Felix Kinyua. 

Now, dear reader, sit down if you’re standing.


Remember Nairobi Elite? The same crew that once came with magical cue sticks and left Meru players questioning life choices?


This time… they were humbled.


Not beaten—washed. Thoroughly. With soap. And rinsed.


By the time we reached the semi-finals, Nairobi players had mysteriously vanished. No goodbyes, no statements—just silence. I suspect witness protection might be involved.



The Winners Circle


Boniface Mwiti is Awarded the winners Cash prize by Engineer Paul Kinoti. Photo/Felix Kinyua.

In an all-Meru final showdown:


Boniface Mwiti defeated Justus Mugo 2–1 and walked away 20k richer.


Justus Mugo took home 15k and dignity.


Alfred Njeru secured third place and 10K, beating the last standing Nairobian, Sammy Kimathi.


Sammy… well, he also went home—with 5k and life lessons.



More Than Just Pool

Aquadel’s Pool Tournament was well attended and well organised.  Photo/Felix Kinyua

This wasn’t just about balls and cue sticks (focus, dear reader).


The event was an economic stimulus package disguised as entertainment:


Parking? Overflowing.


Bar? Nearly dry.


Food? Finished like Nairobi Elite.


Nearby businesses? Thriving.


Local youth? Employed as security, waitstaff, cleaners—you name it.



One security guy told me:


 “Gakurine residents wait for this event like elections—but this one actually delivers.”


Aquadel, you people know how to plan.



The Exit

Meru Team and fans had the last laugh at the concluded Aquadel’s Pool Tournament.  Photo/Felix Kinyua. 

As I left, I couldn’t help but wonder—where did Flash and Faisal go?


No sightings. No clues.


But one thing was clear:

Meru had reclaimed its pride.


And somewhere, in a quiet Nairobi apartment, a cue stick is being blamed.


About the Author

Felix Kinyua is a Meru-based freelance journalist with a sharp eye for detail and an even sharper sense of humor. He specializes in storytelling that blends real-life experiences with satire, capturing the pulse of local culture, events, and everyday Kenyan life—one witty paragraph at a time.





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