David Munyua is determined to use his historic breakthrough at the 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship as a catalyst to inspire a new generation of players in Kenya and across East Africa.
The 30-year-old made global headlines with a remarkable Alexandra Palace debut on Thursday, becoming the first Kenyan to compete at darts’ most prestigious event. Playing in front of a packed North London crowd, Munyua produced one of the biggest shocks in World Championship history, overturning a two-set deficit to defeat Belgian number one and former World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker.
“That was crazy, it’s too much to express right now,” said an emotional Munyua after the match. “I did not expect it, but I’m so excited to have won. Being the first Kenyan to play at the World Championship, I’ve never experienced this kind of venue before, with the noise and the pressure. Everyone back in my country is going crazy about it.”
Munyua’s fearless performance lit up the Ally Pally stage. He threatened to produce a sensational nine-darter and delivered a stunning 135 checkout on the bull during the deciding fifth set. As the pressure mounted, the Nairobi-based debutant kept his composure, capitalising on De Decker’s struggles on the doubles to reel off three consecutive legs and seal a famous victory.
The scale of Munyua’s achievement has captured imaginations worldwide, particularly given his unconventional journey to the sport’s biggest stage. The Kenyan had never left Africa before travelling to London for this year’s World Championship and only discovered darts three years ago in a local pub.
“In East Africa we have great players, and now everyone back home is encouraged that we can do this,” Munyua added. “Darts in my country has not been embraced as it should be. I didn’t grow up knowing much about the sport, but now we have achieved something, so let’s grow it. This could be life-changing.”
Away from the oche, Munyua works full-time as a veterinarian in Nairobi, balancing long days caring for animals with late nights practising his darts. Having already guaranteed himself at least £25,000 in prize money, he now has his sights set on making further history when he meets either Kevin Doets or Matthew Dennant in round two.
“This can do a lot for me, my family and people in my country,” Munyua declared. “I have a passion for helping animals, and I also have a passion for growing sport. Through the day I am helping my animals, and through the night I am playing my darts. Now I have a chance to inspire, and I would like to be known as an idol in my country.”
Source: PDC.TV
