Imperious Richard Okechi top Nairobi Scrabble Kenya Championships

Imperious Richard Okechi was in his own class, winning his second Scrabble Kenya Championships title in Nairobi.

After winning the Kitui title in February, Okechi tested the second victory in the 2025 calendar, winning the Nairobi championships in the two day National Scrabble Championships after overcoming a tough field in the two-day tournament held in the capital.

The event, which concluded on Sunday, served as a key build-up for Team Kenya ahead of the upcoming World English Scrabble Players Association Championships (WESPAC) set for Accra, Ghana, next month.

He says that his latest victory, coming after months of consistent performances across the Scrabble Kenya circuit, cements his reputation as one of the country’s most formidable tacticians on the board.

As an author, Okech writes in his article titled, Scrabble Champion: From Zero to Hero!, ( https://medium.com/@richardokechi/scrabble-champion-from-zero-to-hero-fc07197c4c22) he quotes his journey to stardom with top scrabble players.

Rising Above and Beyond
“I have learnt that the upward journey in Scrabble, just like in life, is not always a steady, upward curve. There are dips along the way, but they should never be a justification to quit or reduce your efforts—not even coming last. From wondering at the potential of mastering all three-letter words to eventually getting to grips with most two-to-eight-letter words, I learnt a fundamental truth: as long as you can take instructions and commit to actual intense work, anyone can rise above and beyond.

But the ultimate trick is consistency. When things are going well, you have to be present and trying. When things are bad, you still need to be present and attentive. Scrabble is a game of chance, and just like in the real world, if you are not there, you will not be able to take your chances when they finally arrive.”

Okechi posted an impressive 14 wins out of 18 games, losing only four to secure the crown ahead of Martins Mutahi, who finished second, and Kenya One Allan Oyende, who completed the podium.

The new champion started strong, securing four straight victories against Raphael Oduor, Cosmas Mochere, Philip Mutinda, andWenwa Akinyi. His momentum was briefly halted by Stanley Njoroge in Game 5, but he bounced back with wins over Willy Mwangi and Tony Ochola before suffering another setback to Daniel Machanje in Game 8. He also lost to Oyende in Game 11.

The next stop for the “Word Warriors” will be Ol Kalou, where the next leg of the national circuit will be held from November 1st to 2nd.

Selected top ten results

Premier Round 18 Standings