The Tsuma twin: Kwale County's basketball enigmas

Sports fans have a particular fondness for sibling narratives. There is something uniquely captivating about athletes who share a surname and a passion for the same sport. Whether it’s their natural chemistry, shared motivation, or sheer coincidence, such stories never fail to intrigue and inspire.

In Kwale County, a similar tale is unfolding in the world of basketball. Roy and Ronnie Tsuma, identical twins and standout players for Mariakani Jets Basketball Club, have taken the local basketball scene by storm.

Born in 2002, the 23-year-olds were introduced to basketball in 2013 while in class six, thanks to a local community coach.

According to Roy, it was love at first sight. “We both fell in love with the sport as it offered an opportunity to play and compete against other kids,” he recalls.

The Tsuma twins’ journey has been inextricably linked from the start. When they joined Malindi High School, their basketball ambitions only grew stronger as they became key players in the school’s basketball program. For many, basketball is just a game, but for the Tsuma twins, it is a calling, a defining pursuit that has shaped their lives.

Their dedication earned them places at Chuka University, where they pursued degrees in Economics & Statistics while dominating the Central Region university basketball scene. As a dynamic duo—Roy as a playmaking point guard and Ronnie as a sharpshooting shooting guard—they led Chuka University to four consecutive championships.

In 2020, they joined Mariakani Jets, quickly establishing themselves as the team’s standout players. Over the past five years, their seamless teamwork and uncanny twin telepathy have left opponents in awe. Their skills have also seen them play for other teams, including Mazeras Bulls and DD Ballers in the Mombasa Street League.

Despite their striking similarities, the twins have distinct playing styles.

“I am the more offensive player and have specialized in shooting, while Roy is more of a playmaker, a passer, and stronger on defense,” Ronnie explains.

Their impact on Mariakani Jets has been immense, as team captain Franklyne Oduor attests: “Playing with the Tsumas is something the team really enjoys. They are highly competitive, aggressive, and play a crucial role both on and off the court.”

Being identical twins, they have also indulged in a bit of mischief. On at least one occasion, they swapped jerseys at halftime, allowing one to sneak in some extra playing time while giving the other a breather. Ronnie insists this was a one-time prank, but who knows?

Beyond basketball, Roy and Ronnie work as data analysts. Their passion for the sport has also led them to coaching, as they now mentor young players at Mazeras High School. This endeavor reflects not only their love for basketball but also their commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.

Kwale County’s basketball scene has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years, and the Tsuma twins are a testament to this progress. Their story is just one chapter in an ever-evolving narrative of sporting excellence yet to be fully told.