Former Kenya Simbas forward Lawi Buyachi has been appointed head coach of Menengai Oilers as the Nakuru-based club begins a major technical overhaul ahead of the new 15s season.
Buyachi, who deputised long-serving tactician Gibson Weru as assistant coach for the past two seasons, takes over ahead of Oilers’ defence of the Impala Floodlit tournament next month and the 2026/27 Kenya Cup campaign, which kicks off in November.
In a raft of changes at the club, former KCB and Simbas stalwart Darwin Mukidza takes charge as backs coach, while Coleman Were will oversee the forwards. Former Nakuru RFC player Don Aluoch has been appointed strength and conditioning coach.
Weru, meanwhile, assumes the role of Director of Rugby, giving the celebrated Kenya Sevens playmaker oversight of the club’s rugby programmes.
Speaking yesterday, Weru said the changes were necessary to put the club on a stronger footing after a disappointing campaign last season and several near misses over the past three years.
“I believe the club needed a reset to achieve our season goals and win silverware,” said Weru. “The culture of the club was not in the right place, and we just needed some fresh ideas and new faces at the technical bench after a below-par performance last season. So I am confident that with the new team at the helm, we can look forward to a successful season.”
Mukidza’s tactical acumen, alongside Sevens coach Geoffrey Ominde, played a pivotal role as Oilers claimed the Christie Sevens crown last weekend, beating Strathmore Leos 24-12 in the final.
Weru believes Mukidza can transfer the winning culture he experienced at KCB to the 15s side. “He was part of the KCB team which dominated the Kenya Cup and will be a breath of fresh air to the team. We have seen his work with the Sevens team, and we hope it translates to the 15s for the upcoming season,” said Weru.
Oilers’ disappointing Kenya Cup campaign ended with a 35-17 quarter-final defeat by Nondies, one of the biggest shocks of last season. “Looking back at that game, it was a combination of factors like lack of leadership, missed opportunities and a slow start that played a part,” said Weru.
“From the review we have done, we hope we will be better.”
