NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has pledged fresh government support for boxing in Kenya following a high-profile amateur bout that has reignited national interest in the sport.
The commitment comes after Portifas Odipo, popularly known as Majembe, defeated Ferdinand Omondi, alias Mbavu Destroyer, in the widely publicised Vurugu Championship clash held in Nairobi.
In a statement posted on X on April 5, President Ruto congratulated both fighters, describing the contest as a thrilling spectacle that lived up to public expectations.
“Congratulations, Majembe (Portifas Odipo), on your victory against Mbavu Destroyer (Ferdinand Omondi) in yesterday’s Vurugu Championship. Both of you put up a spirited fight, delivering an entertaining match that kept us on edge, too close to call,” stated President Ruto.
He added that the bout had rekindled enthusiasm for boxing across the country, a sport that has struggled in recent years to maintain mainstream relevance.
Building on the momentum generated by the fight, the President signalled a renewed policy focus on developing boxing talent and infrastructure.
“We commit to sustain this momentum by supporting the sport, investing in talent, and creating opportunities to grow boxing across the country,” the President added.
The pledge reinforces an earlier promise made ahead of the match, where the President committed KSh1 million to the winner through Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, widely known as Jalang’o.
The bout, staged on April 4 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena, concluded in the fourth round after Mbavu Destroyer was unable to continue, with Majembe declared the winner via technical knockout (TKO).
Majembe was leading comfortably on all three judges’ scorecards (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) before the fourth-round stoppage. However, the fight’s closing moments sparked debate among some viewers, with questions raised over a potential low blow before the stoppage.
Both fighters entered the ring with significant online followings, underscoring the growing influence of digital culture in shaping Kenya’s sports landscape.
Mbavu Destroyer rose to prominence through the viral “Weka Mawe” slogan, which captured widespread attention in the build-up to the fight. Majembe, meanwhile, leveraged his own social media momentum, with his victory cementing his transition from internet personality to mainstream sporting figure.
The event drew large crowds at the venue and significant online viewership, reflecting strong public appetite for grassroots sporting entertainment packaged for digital audiences.
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President Ruto’s remarks come amid a broader government push to expand sports development across Kenya. The administration has outlined plans to construct 22 stadiums and establish 30 grassroots football academies nationwide.
Among flagship projects is the Talanta Sports City Stadium, a proposed 60,000-seat facility expected to be completed ahead of key continental deadlines set by the Confederation of African Football.
Athlete welfare has also seen increased funding, with daily allowances rising from KSh7,500 to KSh26,000, gold medal bonuses reaching KSh3 million, and housing support extended to medalists in major competitions.
Regionally, Kenya continues to position itself as a sports hub. The country recently co-hosted the African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Tanzania and Uganda, and is preparing to host upcoming international fixtures as part of its build-up to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
