Jarred* was playing pool outside a bar in Migori county when a man suddenly walked to his side and drove a knife through his neck. He died on the spot. it later emerged that the two had quarreled over a waitress.
The assailant crossed into Tanzania through the porous border – and has never been brought to book. The incident happened nearly 15 years ago – but the memories still linger in the minds of people who witnessed the attack that fateful evening.
Something else happened in Machakos in 2013. A Mr Peter Muigai was arrested and charged with the offence of robbery with violence contrary to section 295 as read with section 296 (2) of the Penal Code. Peter was arrested at a place where he was playing a pool table game. According to the ruling seen by Mwanahabari.co.ke, the trial court found Muigai guilty, and sentenced him to death.
In yet another court case of 2019 – Titus Owino appealed against conviction and sentence on the charge of robbery with violence contrary to Section 295 as read with section 296 (2) of the Penal Code. Okello jointly with others not before the court were charged with violently robbing a Mr Odhiambo of Ksh2,300 on July 13, 2018, and wounding him in the course of the said robbery. Stephen would later tell the court that he recognized Okello during the incident as he was a regular customer at his pool game joint.
“A lot of things happen at uncontrolled pool joints – murder and theft. It is here that idle crooks meet to plan attacks on innocent Kenyans,” a police officer in Nairobi told Mwanahabari.co.ke. He asked not to be named.
Victor – popularly known in his Estlands hood as Viki – has seen it all. He runs a pool table business in a dingy alley in Kayole.
“The police have this belief that pool is evil – and that everyone found idling at pool sites are criminals just waiting for darkness to cover the capital before they can go out to steal,” Victor told this writer.
Harass people
He says a day hardly passes without police officers paying the joint a visit – just to harass people and take their cut from the day’s collection.
In sharp contrast – and which is interesting to note – there are decent individuals who make a living from just playing pool professionally. Or just play the game alongside other professional engagement.
Doreen Wandia for instance is an Advocate of the High Court and excels as a Professional Pool Player. She is also the founding partner of Wandia Warukinga & Co. Advocates located at Global Centre, Kilimani. She is also the current Ladies ‘Captain of the Kenya National Pool table Team.
“I have represented Kenya in the All-Africa Pool Championship 2014, 2016, and 2017. I have also participated in friendly tournaments in Uganda and here in Kenya. I’m also a member and participant of the Mchana Pool league that is very competitive as you get to play against some of the top male players in Kenya,” Wandia told Ikoazi in an interview.
She said that as a professional pool player, you need to be disciplined, have integrity, and practice sportsmanship.
It’s the same thing at the Mombasa Sports Club, where there are professional snooker tables with lighting and a cool ambience. When the club started, it was standard that all players wear a waistcoat, long trouser, white shirt and bow-tie as it is a ‘gentleman’s game.’
Alpesh Khimji from the club told Business Daily that paying snooker is not just an addictive pastime which relaxes your mind and improves the physiological well-being.
Respectable spots
He said at the time: “It gives you focus and concentration. Once you are on the table, you forget all your problems. It is also a networking game and can be played for financial gains where renowned players in the world earn millions.
The police who spoke to Mwanahabari.co.ke maintained that “Uncontrolled pool game stands found inside bars and along corridors in slums and other estates are networking grounds for criminals. That is a proven fact.” a police officer said.
He says they have no problem with organized pool table players in clubs and other respectable spots.
Parents have not been left behind – with most of them – especially in Eastlands – banning their children from playing pool games or visiting them.
“I cannot allow my son or daughter to play pool table here in Pipeline. I can tell from their dressings and talk that they are crooks,” a parent residing in Nairobi’s Pipeline area told this writer.
It’s a fear many parents share – save for the few who themselves play pool games.