David Munyua: I had no African sponsors during World Darts Championship

David Munyua: I had no African sponsors during World Darts Championship

Kenyan darts sensation David Munyua has revealed that he had no African sponsors as he headed to the global stage during the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship.

Munyua, who became the first Kenyan to win a match at the sport’s biggest tournament at Alexandra Palace in London, said his early days in the UK were marked by financial strain and limited support, with sponsorship only coming after his performances caught the attention of European partners.

“In my time competing in the UK, I had no African sponsors,” Munyua said in a TV interview. “I struggled at first. All my sponsors came from the UK after they noticed my shirt had no logos.”

“I’m feeling great now, and everything has changed,” he added. “I’m surprised that everybody now knows me.”

Nicknamed “Why Not?”, the 30-year-old veterinarian from Kabati, Murang’a County announced himself to the darts world with a stunning first-round comeback against Belgium’s Mike De Decker, the world No.18 and reigning World Grand Prix champion.

Munyua recovered from two sets down to claim a dramatic 3–2 victory.

“It is amazing. I didn’t expect it,” Munyua said after the match. “But now it has happened, and I’m happy about it.”

One moment that captured global attention during the match saw a wasp land on Munyua’s face as he prepared to throw.

Remaining unflustered, he continued playing before calmly catching the insect and placing it in his shirt.

“The pressure was too big, the wasp was too small,” Munyua said with a smile. “I caught it and put it in my shirt and continued playing.”

He credited his composure to his upbringing. “Being a Kenyan and African helped me relax. We grow up around insects, so it didn’t bother me at all,” he explained. “I was more focused on the game.”

Munyua qualified for the championship by winning the African Darts Group Championship, defeating South Africa’s Cameron Carolissen to make history as Kenya’s first representative at the PDC World Darts Championship.

His debut run ended in the second round with a 3–0 loss to Dutch player Kevin Doets, but not before he secured at least Sh4.3 million in prize money.

The breakthrough sparked celebrations back home, drawing praise from fans, fellow players and President William Ruto. Munyua says the impact has extended beyond darts.

“Even people who didn’t know about darts before started taking an interest,” he noted.

Now preparing to defend his African title and return to the world stage, Munyua believes the experience and the support that followed have positioned him for greater success.

“With the experience I have gained, I am sure I will go even further next time.”