What motivated a man into women's Chess competition

Kenya Chess Federation officials have promised to firmly deal with the impersonation case witnessed at the Kenya Open Chess Championship at Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi. This is after a male player was busted camouflaged in a hijab to compete in the Ladies category.

The man who had registered under the name Millicent Awuor raised suspicion due to his odd behavior as he refused to speak to anyone during the registration process or after the matches and from his gait, he walked like a man and the fact that he had worn shoes popular with men (Vans sneakers), sold him out.

According to the man, his decision to cheat in the tournament was motivated by a Sh, 500,000 cash price for Ladies section winner as he was undergoing financial constraints.

The participant shocked many after he defeated former Kenya National Champion Gloria Jumba (rated 1487), and Ugandan top player Ampaira Shakira (1702) on Friday.

And in an exclusive interview with Citizen Digital, Kenya Chess Federation President Bernard Wanjala said the imposter will face the full force of competition rules and regulations as he promising they will put measure to curb the cheating menace.

“We were very shocked by the incident and we have come to realize the price money motivated him. There is our discipline committee which will look into the matter and let this case serve as example to anyone with same intention,” he said.  “This was our first tournament of the year and I’m urging many players to associate with the game being that it involves critical thinking which will help them to think critically and improve their health.”

Wanjala words were echoed by Chess Federation Secretary General John Mukabi who said they will have to scrutinize every participant to ensure their eligibility before the kick off of future competitions.

“I think as the Federation, we shall thoroughly scrutinize every participant to ensure such incidents never recur. The culprit has since been expelled from the tournament pending disciplinary action and according to the tournament's rules, when a player is expelled; the result is reversed and awarded to the opponent.

“I also think the participant who appear to the competition by covering themselves will have to be checked well. It’s the first incident and I’m urging every stakeholder to be calm as they will put strong measures.”