Kireka Chess Club is proud to celebrate one of its finest talents, Samuel Were, who delivered a commanding performance to emerge champion of the 2024 Bungoma Open Chess Championship, held over the weekend in Bungoma, Kenya.
Were, a seasoned player and proud representative of Kireka Chess Club, claimed the Open Section title with a perfect score of 6/6, showcasing both technical brilliance and nerves of steel. His victory was punctuated by a dramatic final-round encounter with rising junior star Agoot Abuk, in which Were, despite being down a queen, executed a relentless tactical sequence that forced Abuk to part with his rook. The endgame mastery displayed was nothing short of vintage Were.
This emphatic win saw Were dethrone Kenya’s reigning champion Mehul Gohil, breaking the latter’s long-standing dominance at the Bungoma event. Were’s run was unaffected by other upsets in the field, including Patrick Kawuma—another Ugandan favorite—being held to a draw by Abuk.
Importantly, this success was made possible by the generous support of Kireka Chess Club patron Mr. Were Bob, who sponsored Samuel Were’s participation in the tournament. His continued commitment to nurturing chess excellence has once again borne fruit.
In the Ladies’ section, Jully Mutisya of Equity Bank Chess Club lived up to her billing as the top seed. Despite an early-round upset, she rallied with focus and determination, finishing on 5/6 points. Mutisya, a key player on Kenya’s national team, leveraged her vast experience to secure the title.
The 2024 Bungoma Open attracted 150 players from across Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Algeria, and South Sudan, making it a true celebration of regional chess talent. As the final open tournament of the year, it served as a perfect build-up to the National Chess Championship, set to be held from December 11–15, 2024, at Makini School in Nairobi.
Samuel Were’s triumph is not just a personal victory but a moment of pride for Kireka Chess Club. His discipline, composure, and excellence over the board embody the values the club continues to instill in all its players. Were’s victory is a testament to the competitive training environment and strong mentorship culture fostered at Kireka.
As we look ahead to more events and milestones, Kireka Chess Club remains committed to shaping champions, promoting chess excellence, and flying the Ugandan flag high across international boards.
Credit Samuel Were (Kireka Chess Club)
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