She started playing rugby while in primary school at New life Africa International. Little did she know that she would end up being a referee to a sport she adores so much.

25-year-old, Veronicah Muiruri doubles up as a rugby player and referee.

“It all started when 10 girls from my primary school were selected to go to England for a rugby tour and play. At the time, I was playing football and was not interested in rugby. However when they came back, I decided to quit football and join rugby,” Ms. Muiruri recalls.

She started her career in rugby from the lowest category which is the lady’s age grade and gradually rose through the ranks to join the Kenya National Rugby team, Kenya Lioness, as well as her home team, Nakuru women rugby football club.

“I joined the Nakuru team while still in primary school. In 2016 I played my first league match at the club level and since then I have just been living the dream,” she says smiling.

As small-bodied as she is, Ms Muiruri plays as a half-back for both the national team and the club team.

“I always admired how Beryl Akinyi, (senior rugby referee in Kenya), officiated her matches. She inspired me to study the rugby rules which helped me secure the spot as a referee,” she notes.

Ms Veronica Muiruri (in red shirt) officiates the game between Nakuru RFC and Daystar at Nakuru Athletics Club on March 25, 2023

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA| MTAA WANGU

Ms Muiruri has officiated the pre-seven seasons at the club category in the Homeboys vs Queens and Nondies vs Impala games among others.

She however notes that in her first games as a referee, she had some anxiety when the crowd would boo her because of a decision she had made during the match.

“I also used to feel intimidated when officiating the men’s match but with time I got used to it,” Ms Muiruri says.

Currently, she is the youngest referee and hopes to become a great referee.

“I believe in being fair and I want to grow in the sport and maybe someday become a senior referee,” she adds.

wanjirukinuthia20@gmail.com

Veronica Muiruri: I quit football for rugby

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Purity Kinuthia