NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has congratulated rising boxer Majembe (Portifas Odipo) following his victory over Mbavu Destroyer (Ferdinand Omondi) in the highly publicised Vurugu Championship, hailing the bout as a turning point for boxing in Kenya.
The Head of State praised both fighters for what he described as a thrilling and closely contested encounter that captivated fans across the country.
“Congratulations Majembe on your victory against Mbavu Destroyer 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,” said President Ruto.
The fight that captured national attention
The Vurugu Championship, held in Nairobi, had already generated massive buzz online and offline, drawing thousands of fans and streaming audiences eager to witness the clash between the two viral fighters.
The bout was widely seen as a showdown between contrasting styles, Majembe’s technical approach against Mbavu’s raw power, a narrative that helped fuel its popularity.
Ruto: Boxing is back
President Ruto noted that the fight had reignited national interest in boxing, a sport that has struggled to maintain mainstream attention in recent years.
“This match has reignited the passion for boxing across the country, restoring fan belief and excitement in the sport,” he said.
The President also pledged continued government and stakeholder support to grow the sport and nurture emerging talent.
“We commit to sustain this momentum by supporting the sport, investing in talent, and creating opportunities to grow boxing across the country.”
State backing boosts sport
Ruto had earlier thrown his weight behind the bout, pledging financial support to both fighters and even sponsoring tickets for fans, a move that significantly boosted the event’s profile.
Analysts say such high-level backing, coupled with digital hype and influencer-driven promotion, could mark a new chapter for boxing in Kenya, attracting younger audiences and commercial investment.
The success of the Vurugu Championship has sparked conversations about the future of boxing in Kenya, with calls for more structured leagues, sponsorships, and talent development pathways.