The Kenyan Rugby Union (KRU) has confirmed the death of former Kenyan Sevens star Allan Makaka following a road traffic accident.
Makaka was killed when his vehicle rammed into a stationary trailer from behind on a deserted highway in the capital Nairobi.
Makaka became a business manager at Hot 96 radio station in Kenya after his rugby career came to an end. He is survived by his wife and two children.
The Kenyan Rugby Union released a statement confirming the death of Makaka;
“It is with deep sorrow that we have learnt of the passing of Allan Makaka following a traffic accident on Saturday 23 May 2020.
“A warm individual off the pitch, Allan’s death is indeed a huge loss to his family, friends, colleagues and the rugby fraternity.
“May God grant his family, friends, team mates and colleagues strength during this trying time.”
Makaka was part of the Kenyan Rugby squad that played at the 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Hong Kong and the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia in 2006.
Born on 28 June 1982, he attended the Mumias Boys Primary School, Musingu High School and the United States International University-Africa.
He started his rugby career by playing by playing at the defuncted military side Ulinzi, where he won back to back National Sevens Circuit titles in 2002 and 2003 when he earned his first national selection to the Sevens squad.
He then moved to Kenya Harlequin after Ulinzi was disbanded at the close of the 2004 season. With the Quins, he won the National Sevens Circuit title in 2005 and 2006 and also won the Kenya Cup league title in 2008.
His employers posted a tribute on twitter expressing their shock and sadness of the news.
“The Royal Media Services (RMS) family mourns the death of our colleague Allan Makaka following a tragic road accident on May 22, 2020. His family has lost a loving husband, father and son, while RMS and the world have lost a vibrant creative genius,”
Makaka was once described by Waisale Serevi, a Fijian Sevens legend as one of the fastest players he ever saw.
During his time with Kenyan Rugby, Makaka made 57 appearances on the Sevens World Series, making 28 tries and ranked an overall 21st amongst Kenya’s all time Try scorers in the World Series.