Githinji Hinga put his political troubles behind when he emerged clear winner in the 5th edition of the Daystar University Open Chess Tournament which was held at their Athi River campus last weekend.
A total of about 100 players took part in this highly popular event which was split into two sections – FIDE rated and an Open Section.

Githinji won the FIDE Rated event which had 31 players with a clear 5.5/6 to go home with a cash prize of KES 25,000 (USD 250). Hot on his heels with 4.5 points were James Panchol, Mehul Gohil, Ricky Sang, Austin Walela & Ronald Bolo who went home with KES 10,500 each.

In the Open Section Simon Gonza of Uganda and FM Steve Ouma emerged joint winners with 6.5 points each and shared a total cash prize of KES 35,000 (USD 350). Ajak Biar of South Sudan was 3rd with 5.5 points and went home with KES 10,000 and youngster Koyra Maina was 4th with 5 points and ended up with KES 7,500.

In the ladies section, the East African Ladies Champion WFM Ivy Amoko and Kenyan Olympian WCM Gloria Jumba Gweyani each scored 5 points to finish first and second respectively. They each collected KES 17,500 in prize money. Isabel Asiema and WCM Joyce Nyaruai engaged with 4 points and they attained third and fourth positions respectively and earning KES 8,750.

The junior section was won by Aguda Lwanga followed by Odongo Lwanga, Sean King and Alvin Mbithi.


For Githinji Hinga this victory seals his reputation as one of Kenya’s top players in 2016.
