Splendor and finesse dominate this year’s IDPA Chairman’s Cup

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Sports, Amb. Peter Kaberia at one of the COFs

Pomp, color and flair is an understatement of what was witnessed at this year’s  IDPA Chairman’s Cup  which took place at the Kirigiti range.

The annual event which went down on Saturday was like a premier event with grandeur.

The well attended event saw more than 100 participants take part in the competition which culminated in the awarding of trophies and other awards to the various winners.

The participants some who came from as far as Archer’s Post in Samburu county were squaded up and battled it out in various categories.

International Police Association members: From left corporal Jane, Pc Belinda Akoth, sergeant Mohamed Aden and Omar Moosa from IPA Mombasa

Expert shooter Memba Muriuki who has been shooting for more than 10 years says “people misunderstand guns.  Shooting as a sport is more interesting than several others”

Standard Media group which was one of the sponsors of the event made a deliberate decision to try and support sports.

Chairman's Cup Trophies on display

 “I would love to see shooting sports grow in Kenya. If we can get 20 Kenyans shooting at the highest level then I think we would have done our job to promote the sport," said Standard group PLC CEO Orlando Lyomu.

 “Developed countries look at sports beyond running .We cannot discriminate on sports saying some are different from others, we’re ready to help whenever we can,“  Lyomu added.

The event was graced by Principal Secretary of Sports, Amb. Peter K. Kaberia who said,  “The future of shooting sports is bright.  A few years back we couldn’t be talking about this sport. Today we have a team and we have people representing Kenya internationally.

The PS said more vetting will be done on gun owners, and that will not affect shooting sports.

 “My being at the range means that the government is aware of what is going on in here and is appreciative of it. Today’s Chairman’s Cup is a badge of honor and tells you there’s confidence from the public,“ he added.

The National Gun Owners Association ( NGAO-K) Chairman Anthony Wahome who unfortunately lost his mother a day before the event thanked Standard media group as the official media partner, for the publicity and sponsorship they have given to the sport saying it has borne fruit.

Lydia Gesare of Subaru Kenya with NGAO-K Chairman Anthony Wahome at the event

The association’s vice chair Sammy Onyango praised the skills on display saying “ One year ago when IDPA Africa champion  Ian Van der Bank came to Kenya, we were not shooting this well. But after the training he gave, there has been so much improvement.”

NGAO-K vice Chairman Sammy Onyango

 NGAO-K secretary general Alex Migwi hailed the growth of the sport in Kenya:  “Like the President said, security is in our hands.  It can only be security in our hands if we are proficient in the use of our firearms.”

NGAO-K Secretary General Alex Migwi

Master shooter Eng. Robert Nyamongo described the day’s shooting standards as very high. He emerged the overall winner with a score of 144.76 points.

Chairman’s Cup Winners

Winners of the IDPA CHAIRMAN'S Cup 2019

In the Master category Robert Nyamongo scooped the first position (144.76) followed by Mohammed Omar with a score of 181.43.

In the Expert Category Sammy Onyango emerged top with a score of 148.69, Anthony Wahome  came in second with a score of 152.63 points,. Memba Muriuki  squeezed in third place managing a score of 170.67 points.

Team Coast all optimistic at the event

In Sharpshooter Category  Soi Kilonzo from Mombasa emerged the winner with a score of 182.31, followed by Wilson Macharia  in second place with 182.74 points, Geoffrey Pesa  came in third managing 186.85.

In marksman category Richard Onyoni  emerged top with an impressive score of 201.83. He was followed by Emmanuel Fresco  with a score of 208.48. In third place was  Benjamin Muema  who managed  250.43 points.

In the Novice Category  Omar Moosa from Mombasa ran away with it in position 1 with a score of  256.19. Second place was  Elias Kavwagi  who scored 256.61points.

Mahir Omar flanked by family and top shooters as he receives his award

In the Discipline Forces Daniel Kyalo (aka Ninja) grabbed first position with a convincing win of 164.92,he was followed by  Mohamed Aden -179.72,  John Njenga  came in third with a score of  210.99

In the Ladies Category Belinda Akoth  topped the list with a score of 259.17, in second place was Jane Wanjiru  - 266.25,  Elizabeth Cherono came in third managing  279.70

Special recognition went to Tony Njoroge Munene who won Grand Warrior Shooter Award (292.52) The Spring Shooter Award  went to Mahir Omar (181.44) and Best Effort –landing in Kelvin Lemantaan’s hands (474.55)

NGAO-K is planning to hold African Championships in Nairobi, it will be the first in East and Central Africa.

Team members from Mombasa

The Chairman’s Cup is an annual event that is meant to bring together shooters from all over the country. Its aim is to raise funds to improve the range.