Why Not? Kenyan History-Maker David Munyua Explains the Belief Behind His Ally Pally Upset

David Munyua has made history as the first ever Kenyan to compete on the iconic Alexandra Palace stage at the 2026 World Darts Championship. 

Not only that, but he also pulled off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, defeating former World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker 3-2.

Trailing two sets to nil, Munyua staged a remarkable comeback, highlighted by a stunning 135-checkout finished on the bullseye.

Following his victory, Munyua struggled to put his emotions into words, but he credited the win to the support of his friends and family back in Kenya, who he says are already celebrating wildly.

“It’s Crazy. It’s way too big for me even to express to you right now. I did not expect it, but I’m so excited about it. Not only for me, but my guys back there in my country, they are going crazy."

The atmosphere at Ally Pally was something Munyua had never experienced before. Now that he’s been through it once, he believes settling in for the next round will be easier, whether he faces Kevin Doets or Matthew Dennant.

“I’ve been to this kind of a venue before. The noise, the pressure. I got one win, I think it’ll be easier for me in the second round than it is for the first one.”

The Infamous Ally Pally Wasp

Munyua also had a memorable encounter with the infamous Ally Pally wasp that has troubled players all week. 

During the match, it landed on his face, and viewers saw him attempt to put it in his pocket.

“I got it. I tried to put it in my pocket to stay with me because I love going through tough things. I would do my stuff with it, win, or lose. But I don't know how it escapes."

He explained that the wasp was meant as a good luck charm during the high-pressure match.

“I’ve seen how it’s been interfering with other players. At this place you need maximum concentration, so when you have a little disturbance, you need to get over it. So, I tried to get it come my way and stay with me.”

Balancing Veterinary Work and Darts

Back home in Kenya, Munyua works as a veterinary nurse. We asked how he manages to juggle a full-time job with his darts career.

“Being a veterinarian in my country and also a darts player, there’s so many challenges you need to face to combine the both."

"I have a passion in veterinary and treating animals, I also have a passion in growing sports in our area.”

"During the day I’m dealing with my animals, but at the night I’m playing darts.”

"I’m on call a lot of the time, so I can be throwing darts and then get a call.”

“Why Not?” – A Motto for Life

Munyua’s nickname reflects his life philosophy. Whenever anyone underestimates him or challenges him to achieve something ambitious, he asks himself: Why not?

“We can achieve anything, just like any other person. Why not?,” he told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

“Are you going to play darts, why not?”

“Why not us, why not me. Everyone before this tournament back home asked me if I’m going to win. Why not, I said.”

Dreaming Big for Kenya

If Munyua were to win the £1 million prize, he revealed that it wouldn’t just be for him. 

Instead, he would use it to support his family, charities, and the growth of darts and other sports in Kenya.

“A million pound would be great for me, but not only for me, my people back home and my family. It would be life changing for them, and for charities as well. It would do massive things.”

“We have a big chance to grow the sport, we need support, we also need to support other sports. We have brilliant athletics in our country, but other sports need to match."

Munyua’s historic win is just the beginning, as he continues to inspire not only darts fans, but an entire nation.