"We're brothers": David Munyua and Peter Wachiuri want to use their bond to put Kenya firmly on the darts map

The moment David Munyua watched his decisive dart land will long remain etched in the collective memory of the darts world. On the sport’s biggest stage, the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, the Kenyan made history by becoming the first player from his country ever to win a match. What followed was not just a personal triumph, but the start of a broader movement that seems set to change darts in Kenya for good.

Munyua, only active in the sport since 2022 and a full-time veterinarian on the side, initially looked to have no chance in his match against Mike De Decker. The Belgian, an established name on the circuit, raced into a comfortable 2-0 lead in sets. Yet Munyua battled back superbly and completely turned the match around: 3-2. The iconic backdrop of Alexandra Palace hosted one of the tournament’s most surprising comebacks.

That support came not only from the stands, but also from close at hand. Beside him stood his good friend and compatriot Peter Wachiuri, who played a crucial role in Munyua’s journey to London. The two travelled together from Kenya, stayed in the same accommodation, and prepared side by side for the biggest moment of their careers.

A striking detail underlined their bond. During Munyua’s walk-on, his dart case was handed to him by a fan in the front row. That fan turned out to be none other than Wachiuri himself. "We're brothers," said Munyua to Sportbible.

The impact of Munyua’s achievement quickly stretched beyond Alexandra Palace. Upon returning to Kenya, he received a true hero’s welcome. Media attention, congratulations, and a surge in the sport’s popularity followed immediately. Even Kenyan president William Ruto voiced his support.

"Everything has changed now," said Munyua. "Since we came back from the PDC, we focus on the darts as a sport in Kenya. More people have turned out - there are so many of them who are now training and playing darts wherever I go. I think very soon, we will be having a lot of players from Kenya."

According to Wachiuri, the sport’s growth is clearly visible. "The sport is getting very, very much bigger. Whenever you go and meet any player, even if you don't know that player, you know they're doing great.

"You have to be very keen and very focused [when you're playing], for sure."

That support is crucial, because for many African darters, costs are a major barrier. Traveling to international tournaments, access to quality venues, and professional guidance are not a given. "We hope we will get to a point where we have good support from the PDC itself, the government, so that our players are are able to maybe have a consistent performance, a proper performance, that can be shown on TV or in world-class venues," said Wachiuri.

There are, however, positive developments. Africa recently received an additional qualifying spot for the World Darts Championship, increasing opportunities for players from the continent. In addition, Devon Petersen plays an important role in the sport’s development through initiatives that create more events and visibility.

Remarkably, Wachiuri had already been in the spotlight himself. During the MODUS Super Series, he became a crowd favorite by reaching the final and defeating several experienced players. Upon returning to Nairobi, he was welcomed as a hero.

"I really enjoyed it because I didn't believe that I can just manage to get into the finals," he says. "But I was very glad to have that opportunity, and I tried to do my best. I came to achieve something.

"I'm willing to be the best. I was having a great time, because even I didn't think they were planning to come and visit me at the airport! It was a surprise, because I didn't know they were coming to me. They were grateful for my achievement for the first time."

The focus now, however, is mainly on the future. Munyua and Wachiuri are determined to take darts in Kenya to the next level. Their ambition goes beyond individual success. They want to build a structure in which new players can develop and international tournaments become attainable.

"We have the iconic players that they can really look up to. We wish by this time, five years to come, we can be able to invite them to come and participate with us," said Munyua.

"Then we can be able to maybe have a good level of darts, and also a structure that's going to improve the sports in our country."