Kenyan sevens star dies at 37
NEWS: Former Kenyan Sevens star Allan Makaka has died following a road traffic accident, the Kenyan Rugby Union have confirmed.
Makaka was once described by Fijian sevens legend Waisale Serevi as one of the fastest players he ever saw.
Makaka made a total of 57 appearances on the Sevens World Series, managing 28 tries and is ranked 21st overall amongst Kenya’s all-time try scorers on the World Series. Following his rugby career, he had become a business manager at Hot 96 radio station. He is survived by a wife and two children.
A statement from the Kenyan Rugby Union reads: “It is with deep sorrow that we have learnt of the passing of Allan Makaka following a traffic accident on Saturday 23 May 2020.
“A warm individual off the pitch, Allan’s death is indeed a huge loss to his family, friends, colleagues and the rugby fraternity.
“May God grant his family, friends, teammates and colleagues strength during this trying time.”
We have lost a true gentleman of this sport, one who was such a gallant #Shujaa player during his time.
Go well Allan Makaka, you shall be missed dearly.#RIPMakaka https://t.co/POcaMAkenh— Shujaa (@KenyaSevens) May 23, 2020
Born on 28 June 1982, Allan was a former Kenya Sevens international and was part of the squad that played at the 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Hong Kong and the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.
An alumnus of Mumias Boys Primary School, Musingu High School and the United States International University- Africa, he initially played his club rugby at defunct military side Ulinzi, winning back to back National Sevens Circuit titles in 2002 and 2003, making a name for himself with his searing pace and earning selection to the national sevens squad, Shujaa off the back of his performances.
He moved to Kenya Harlequin upon Ulinzi’s disbandment at the close of the 2004 season and featured in the Quins squads that won the National Sevens Circuit title in 2005 and 2006 and the 2008 Kenya Cup league title.
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