Alex Olaba is a name that many Kenyans associate with rugby excellence.
He was a star player for the Kenya Sevens and Kenya Harlequins teams, representing his country in international tournaments and winning accolades and fans.
However, his rugby career came to a screeching halt when he was accused of gang raping a woman in 2018, along with his teammate Frank Wanyama.
As if that was not enough, he was later arrested and convicted of plotting to kill a witness in his rape case, landing him an eight-year jail sentence.
How did Alex Olaba go from being a rugby hero to a villain?
What were the motives and the consequences of his actions?
In this article, we will explore the rise and fall of Alex Olaba, a former rugby star who lost everything because of his crimes.
Alex Olaba Background: Early life, rugby career and achievements
Alex Olaba was born on June 6, 1994, in Nairobi, Kenya.
He started playing rugby at a young age and joined the Kenya Harlequins club in 2014.
Olaba made his debut for the Kenya Sevens team in 2016 and quickly became a key player for the national side.
He scored 14 tries in 29 matches and helped Kenya win the Singapore Sevens title in 2016, the first ever World Rugby Sevens Series title for the country.
He also played in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where Kenya finished 11th out of 12 teams.
Olaba was known for his speed, agility, and power on the rugby field.
He had a bright future ahead of him and was admired by many fans and peers.
Alex Olaba gang rape case
Alex Olaba’s rugby career came to a sudden end when he was accused of gang raping a woman in 2018, along with his teammate Frank Wanyama.
The incident allegedly occurred on February 10, 2018, at an apartment in Highrise Estate, Nairobi, where the two players had invited the woman for a party.
The woman, Wendy Kemunto, claimed that she was drugged and raped by the two players repeatedly without her consent.
She reported the matter to the police and sought medical attention.
The two players denied the allegations and claimed that they had consensual sex with the woman.
They were arrested and charged with rape in April 2018.
The court released them on a Ksh 500,000 bail each and ordered to stay away from the victim and any potential witnesses.
Olaba and Wanyama also faced disciplinary action from their club and the Kenya Rugby Union, which suspended them from playing pending the outcome of the case.
The two were later convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison each for the rape case in August 2019.
However, they appealed against the sentence and the High Court quashed it on a technicality in June 2020.
The court ordered a retrial for the rape case, which is still pending as of 2023.
The rape case has not concluded yet.
Alex Olaba plot to kill a witness
Alex Olaba’s troubles did not end with the rape case.
He was later arrested and convicted of plotting to kill a witness in his rape case, in a bid to sabotage the prosecution.
Olaba was caught red-handed when he approached an undercover police officer to help him execute his plan.
He offered to pay Ksh 100,000 to the officer to eliminate the witness, who was a friend of the victim.
Olaba also gave details of the witness’s whereabouts, appearance, and daily routine.
He was unaware that he was being recorded and monitored by the police.
On April 22, 2021, they arrested Olaba, at Madaraka Estate, Nairobi, where he had gone to finalize the deal.
He was charged with conspiracy to murder and interference with the judicial process.
He pleaded not guilty and applied for bail, but his application was denied.
On May 24, 2023, he was found guilty and sentenced to eight years in jail.
His bail and retrial for the rape case were also revoked.
Conclusion
Alex Olaba’s actions have had a devastating impact on his rugby career and reputation.
He has lost his chance to play for his club and country, and has tarnished the image of the sport in Kenya.
Olaba has also faced public backlash and condemnation from his fans, peers, and mentors.
His former coach Innocent Simiyu said that he was shocked and disappointed by Olaba’s behavior.
Simiyu regretted that he had wasted his talent and potential.
His former teammate Collins Injera said that he was saddened and disgusted by Olaba’s crimes, and that he hoped he would learn from his mistakes and reform.
The victim, Wendy Kemunto said that she was traumatized and scarred by the rape ordeal, and that she was relieved and grateful that justice had been served.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old is Alex Olaba?
Alex Olaba age is 29 years old as of 2023.
He was born on June 6, 1994, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Who is Frank Wanyama?
Frank Wanyama is a former Kenyan rugby player who was charged with gang raping a woman in 2018, along with Alex Olaba.
He was also a member of the Kenya Sevens and Kenya Harlequins teams.
Wanyama was sentenced to 15 years in jail for the rape case, but the sentence was later quashed on a technicality and a retrial was ordered.
He is currently awaiting his retrial.
Who is Wendy Kemunto?
Wendy Kemunto is the woman who accused Alex Olaba and Frank Wanyama of raping her in 2018.
She is a singer and songwriter who met the two players at a party.
Kemunto claimed that they drugged and raped her repeatedly without her consent at an apartment in Highrise Estate, Nairobi.
She reported the matter to the police and sought medical attention.
Kemunto also went public with her story on social media, sparking outrage and sympathy from the public.
She is a key witness in the rape case against the two players.
