Aquadel Did It Again! Menandi Came to Throw Darts... But Left Collecting Excuses
Then there are Aquadel weekends.
Now my dear readers, it has been quite some time since I last showed up at a proper social event. Not because I suddenly became holy or anti-fun, but because most weekends have found me somewhere on the road, busy showing my new love just how beautiful Meru is. That story deserves its own chapter. Today, however, let us focus on another love affair... my ever-growing relationship with Aquadel Carwash and Auto Spa, Gakurine.
You see, I firmly believe in the old saying that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Fortunately, my name is not Jack, and dullness has never been listed among my personal qualifications.
Last weekend, courtesy of an invitation from my good friend and Aquadel CEO, Mr. Patrick Rungu—better known across these streets as Bloko—I once again found myself pulling into what I have now officially declared as Meru's unofficial headquarters of fun.
And before anyone accuses me of advertising for free, allow me to defend myself.
These Aquadel people have mastered an art very few can. They don't simply organise events. They create experiences. Every invitation leaves you wondering, "Now what are these people planning this time?"
This particular adventure came disguised as a Dart Tournament between Team Aquadel and Menandi 51 Social Club from the Meru Showground.
Notice I said disguised.
Because if you've attended an Aquadel event before, you already know the tournament is only the excuse. The real event is the laughter, the networking, the nyama choma, the drinks, the banter and enough entertainment to make you forget your landlord has been calling all week.
For the record, I now officially crown Aquadel as Meru's headquarters of fun, adventure, networking and all things kujibamba. Oh... and before I forget, they still remain my undisputed champions of car washing from Thuci all the way to Ntonyiri.
But lest you think I am praising the chef simply because I was served food, let me paint the full picture.
One of the highlights of the evening came from Menandi founder, Engineer Raphael, popularly known as Binchiere.
With the calm confidence of a man who knows exactly what he built, he narrated how Menandi was born after discovering darts during a visit to Kigali, Rwanda. Instead of leaving the game behind, he returned to Kenya determined to introduce it to his friends at the Meru Showground.
What started with only eight curious friends has today grown into an impressive family of 121 members.
That is not all.
The club has donated dart boards to various places across the country as part of its corporate social responsibility and has gone on to win several tournaments including competitions in Katheri and Njotone.
His closing words summed it up beautifully.
"Charity begins at home."
Now that, ladies and gentlemen, is how communities are built.
The VIP list read more like the guest register of a serious government function.
Among those present were Copylyt founder Mr. Fredrick Kirinya, better known as Russia—and yes, I know he faithfully reads this blog, so let me greet him properly. Bwana Russia, thank you for honouring the tournament. Meru Daily promises to continue keeping you informed, entertained and occasionally educated. Please continue reading... we all need loyal customers.
Also present were Menandi Secretary Senior Counsel Kaumbi Kioga, Aquadel Group Chairman Alex Muguna, Meru County Chief Finance Officer Mr. Kaaria, Senior Counsel Koome alias Ikulu, former Nairobi Elite Chairman Boston Bundi, Aquadel CEO Patrick Rungu (Bloko) and Kaaga Girls Bursar Benjamin Njeru, famously known as Benja Don.
With such a lineup, the only thing missing was a red carpet and perhaps a cabinet secretary.
Then came the business end of the evening.
And my goodness...
Aquadel showed absolutely no mercy.
From the quarter-finals all the way to the championship match, it became painfully clear that home advantage is a real thing.
Menandi, despite arriving with engineers, lawyers and distinguished professionals, found themselves receiving an education they probably hadn't budgeted for.
Of course, they quickly produced what every losing team produces.
Excuses.
They argued the tournament had been organised on short notice and they had not been given enough time to practise.
Translation?
"Please give us another chance."
To their credit, they promised fireworks during the return fixture, insisting this was merely a taster.
Whether it was a taster or not, history books will simply record one thing.
Aquadel carried the night.
Not just because they won.
But because they hosted.
The organisation was excellent, the atmosphere electric, the laughter contagious, the banter endless and to crown it all, World Cup football played live alongside the tournament.
Whoever appointed Bloko as Meru's unofficial Minister of Fun deserves a state commendation.
Speaking of football lovers, the next adventure has already been announced.
Aquadel will continue hosting World Cup watch parties throughout the tournament.
At this rate, football fans might as well start paying rent at Gakurine.
As for the individual winners, Evans edged out Ngosh three games to two to claim third place while Emanuel Kinyua emerged champion after defeating Kazungi by the same 3-2 scoreline in a thrilling final.
Since this was only a friendly encounter, the prizes were modest but appreciated, with winners walking away with tokens ranging from KSh500 to KSh3,000.
Not bad for an evening spent throwing darts and throwing friendly insults at each other.
As Menandi headed home promising revenge, one thing remained clear.
Whether you call it an exhibition, a friendly or simply an impromptu gathering, Aquadel once again reminded everyone that good events are not measured by trophies alone.
They are measured by the memories people carry home.
And judging by the smiles I saw that night, there were plenty of memories to go around.
Until the next one, I'll keep my ears on the ground and my notebook ready.
When Aquadel calls, chances are another unforgettable story is about to be written.
Enjoy your week, my dear readers... and yes, Happy New Month.
Fine, I know we are already a week into it.
But as we proudly say around here, better late than never.
Ni hayo tu kwa sasa.
About the Author
Felix Kinyua is a Meru-based freelance journalist, blogger and communications consultant passionate about telling the stories that make local communities unique. Through Meru Daily, he documents events, personalities, business, sports and the everyday moments that often go unnoticed, blending humour, satire and authentic storytelling to keep readers informed, entertained and connected to life in Meru.
Good start bt next time we need ladies
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