"Juggling Acts: Kenyan Darts Star David Munyua Balances Full-Time Vet Career Before World Championships"

DAVID MUNYUA spends his days in Kenya caring for COWS – and in the evenings, he competes with BULLS.

A typical day for Munyua, 30, back in Nairobi is quite straightforward as he is a full-time veterinarian who “treats livestock and pets.”

When he is not on the job, he heads to the oche at his local pub to enhance his checkout skills and accuracy at the bullseye late into the night.

This hectic routine has certainly paid off; during his first trip outside the African continent, he has emerged as a national sensation by winning on the Ally Pally stage in his debut.

If he defeats Dutchman Kevin Doets in round two on Monday, his reputation will resonate far beyond the borders of Kenya.

Munyua, who practiced over the weekend in a North pub with fellow countryman Peter Wachiuri, stated: “I have a deep passion for veterinary work and caring for animals.

“Being a veterinarian in my country while also being an athlete presents many challenges in balancing both.

“I do my best. During the day, I focus on my animals, and at night, I play darts. I play during the night.

“So, I have some time to sleep. But I still manage to get to work in the morning.

“As a vet, you're always on call. You could be throwing a dart, and then it changes, ‘hold on, I need to go…’

“It’s challenging, but I am grateful for the tremendous support I’ve received from my fellow darts players and colleagues.”

Munyua mentions that his sporting idol is a 16-time world champion, and he has two aspirations during his time in London – to meet him and attend a Premier League match.

His walk-on music is “Mwaki” by Brazilian DJ Zerb, which translates to “fire” in his tribal language, Kikuyu, and he believes that darts is currently on fire as a sport.

Devon Petersen has reached the Last 16 three times, setting a benchmark for all African players.

Munyua – affectionately known as Why Not? – had to secure funding for his trip to the UK, and by eliminating Belgian Mike De Decker in the first round, he achieved a “life-changing moment” that earned him £25,000 in prize money.

Fans have gone wild back home, and he hopes this will inspire more people to take the sport seriously.

The qualifier expressed: “The impact and influence I have to promote the sport in my area means I need to set an example. To show that we can achieve this.

“Come on, everyone involved in other sports, join us.

“Darts is growing in Kenya, but finding sponsors has been quite challenging. The perception of darts is that it’s a sport for drunken individuals.

“I am grateful to the PDC for their intervention and the support I’ve received from others. I also have a manager who will decide when I return home.