David Munyua celebrates after his win at the PDC World Championships. Photo / George Scaife
By Newsflash Writer
President William Ruto, Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha and Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata have joined Kenyans in celebrating darts sensation David Munyua following his stunning victory at the PDC World Darts Championship in London on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
In a congratulatory message, President Ruto hailed Munyua’s fearless performance, describing it as one of the most memorable moments of the tournament. The Head of State praised the Kenyan for defeating Belgium’s Mike De Decker, an established global champion, after mounting a dramatic comeback from two sets down.
“Congratulations David Munyua on your remarkable victory in round one at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship. By defeating Belgium’s Mike De Decker with a fearless comeback, you delivered one of the most memorable moments in the tournament’s history,” President Ruto said.
He added that Munyua had made history as the first Kenyan to compete at the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace in London, announcing Kenya’s arrival on the global darts stage. “As you advance to the next stage, know that the nation stands behind you. Bring the trophy home,” Ruto said.
Kenyan David Munyua at the PDC World Championships. Photo /Viral Tea Ke
Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha also praised Munyua, noting that the victory was a source of pride for his home county and the entire country. Badilisha revealed that he had hosted Munyua on November 21 before his departure to the United Kingdom, offering him blessings and support ahead of the championship.
“Congratulations David Munyua on your World Darts Championship win in London, UK. I hosted David, our son from Githioro Ward’s Aberdare Village, and gave him my blessings and support before he departed for the world championship. I am proud of his remarkable exploits on the global darts stage, as is Nyandarua and Kenya at large,” Badilisha said.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata echoed the sentiments, describing Munyua as a national hero. “We are proud of you, Munyua. World Darts Champion,” Kang’ata said.
Stunning upset at Alexandra Palace
Munyua delivered one of the biggest shocks of the PDC World Championship on Thursday, rallying from two sets down to defeat Belgian world number 18 Mike De Decker in a dramatic five-set match at Alexandra Palace. Making his debut at the sport’s biggest stage, Munyua appeared on the brink of elimination as De Decker closed in on victory, needing just one more set to seal the contest.
The 30-year-old veterinary doctor squandered chances in the second and third sets before finally finding his rhythm. He edged the fourth set and forced a decider, where he showed remarkable composure.
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Although broken in the opening leg of the fifth set, Munyua responded with a sensational outer bull–treble 20–bullseye 135 checkout to draw level, before holding his nerve to secure the historic win.
Speaking on stage after the match, Munyua described the victory as “amazing,” saying it marked a “very big moment for the sport, for Africa and for Kenya.” Sky Sports pundit and former BDO world champion Mark Webster praised the drama of the contest, saying it exemplified the spirit of the World Championship and highlighted darts’ growing global reach.
From Nyandarua to the world stage
Born on October 25, 1990, in Thika, Munyua hails from Aberdare Village in Githioro Ward, Nyandarua County. A trained veterinary doctor, he only began playing darts seriously in the early 2020s, making his rapid rise highly unusual in professional terms. He competes on the African darts circuit and earned his World Championship debut by winning the African Darts Group Qualifier, becoming the first Kenyan ever to qualify for the tournament.
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The victory marked Kenya’s first-ever match win at the PDC World Darts Championship and instantly positioned Munyua as one of the competition’s standout stories. Despite the global spotlight, Munyua remains grounded, often self-funding his career through personal savings, sponsorships and crowdfunding. Nicknamed “Why Not?”, he has emerged as a symbol of darts’ expanding global footprint and Africa’s growing presence on the world stage.
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