Injera breaks Internet as UhuRuto, celebrities pay tribute

Besides taking over the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series try-scoring charts on Saturday evening, the mercurial Collins Injera also made the Internet his hostage as flooded social media to pay tribute to his record-breaking accomplishment at London 7s.

President Uhuru Kenyatta led local politicians, media and entertainment celebrities, ordinary folk as well as the rugby fraternity in posting thousands of tribute messages as #Kenya7s, #CollinsInjera and #InjeraNiShujaa has tags topped the trending topics on micro-blogging site Twitter, ahead of the FA Cup final that kicked off at 7:30pm local time (+3GMT).

On Facebook, the most popular social media platform in the country, Injera was the most discussed topic with some of the messages shared across both forums on the day he made history by touching down for his 231st try to break Sergio Gomez Cora’s previous standard of 230.

The 12-29 defeat to France that knocked Kenya 7s out of the London Main Cup was not even worth a mention with some users alluding Injera’s record took precedence over qualifying to the last eight.

“I salute Collins Injera for breaking the tries record in the IRB series. The selfless pass from his brother is special #London7s #Kenya7s,” the Head of State who never misses a moment to share in sporting glory tweeted.

“@cinjera breaks the record to become the all-time try run scorer with 231 tries in the World Sevens Rugby Series. Remarkable achievement,” his Deputy, William Samoei Ruto added.

Having pledged Ksh10m to the team after it won its first Main Cup in Singapore last month, Uhuru did not make any statement on the expected windfall for the player who is bestowed with the Order of the Golden Warrior national decoration.

“Standing Ovation Collins Injera. #TopOfTheWorld #Kenya7s #London7s,” his Digital Communications Director, Dennis Itumbi cheered.

And just like after Singapore 7s, political titans joined in the bandwagon to heap lavish praise on the Kenya vice-captain who had tied Cora’s record with a brace in the second Pool C clash against Scotland –once again, some (or their hired social media hands) exposed their ignorance by making laughable bloopers in the rush to be seen in sync.

Nairobi Governor, Dr. Evans Kidero was the first to be slatted on social media after posting “Well done @cinjera on your 21st try in IRB sevens and breaking the world record. Proud of you. @OfficialKRU @jmueke @ictminister47,” at 6:47pm before it was corrected at 8:23pm with the correct figure.

But that was not in good time to stop the original tweet going viral with his Mombasa counterpart, Ali Hassan Joho, getting his facts spot-on in his tribute, “Congratulations @cinjera for the historic feat. Highest all time scorer 231trys.”

Flamboyant Nairobi Senator, Mike Sonko who paid for luxury rides and promised Shujaa Ksh2m after Singapore had nothing on his timeline on Injera’s landmark by the time of going to press as well as opposition chief, Raila Odinga who is away on a foreign trip.

“Kenya is a hotbed of everything, from Lupita (Nyong’o) to Collins Injera,” renowned sports television reporter, Geoffrey Wachira wrote with accompanying photos of Kenyan-born US President, Barack Obama, Hollywood Oscar winning actress, Lupita and Injera perhaps capturing best the mood of the nation.

“Papa Locole hits 231 tries, now top on the all time scorers chart,” Kenya Rugby Union wrote.

Kenyan Premier League side, AFC Leopards forgot their woes on the pitch after losing 2-1 to Thika United on Saturday to say, “AFC Leopards celebrates #Kenya7s Shujaa Collins Injera on breaking the #IRB7s top try scorer’s record. #OursForever.”

“Ladies, Gentlemen and Rugby fans, join us in celebrating Collins Injera’s 231st World Rugby Sevens Series TRY! ‪#‎KeepItFanatic,” the Ministry of Rugby posted.

On Facebook, the theme was the same with the USA Rugby Sevens page declaring, “Kenyan Sevens superstar Collins Injera can play for me any day, fast and physical is a dangerous combo on the rugby pitch… ‪#‎busisfull”

Sammy Okaro added, “Well (done) Collins Injera on the milestone as much as Kenya drops to the bowl quarters tomorrow. Coz of you and team Kenya we are on the top of the world. ‪#‎rugbythings#”

“Congrats Collins Injera for number 231! Hold the party and let’s carry the momentum to Rio first and then celebrate big in the North Rift after the gold medal in Rio… Well done and thanks “Tall” for the family moment! Made in Soy!” veteran local sports scribe and 2012 IAAF Journalist of the Year, Elias Makori offered.

SAMPLE TOP TWEETS

Congrats to @cinjera now World’s leading try scorer in HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series with 231 tries!! #Kenya7s ONLINE GUY WILLIS RABURU

MAINA KAGENI..History in the making!

CAROL RADULL And Collins Injera @Cinjera holds the WORLD RECORD!!!! Most tries scored in 7s rugby! CONGRATULATIONS!!! 

MWAMBA RFC,Two Mwamba RFC boys in the top 10. Well done @cinjera Collins Injera and Humphrey Kayange.

DSTV Despite the score line, it’s a brilliant moment for a brilliant rugby player that is, Collins Injera. Well done!

“#CollinsInjera #CollinsInjera #CollinsInjera THREE CHEERS for @cinjera the man who would make anyone fall for rugby,” Mutwiri Mutuota, sports editor Royal Media.