NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has joined the growing hype around the much-anticipated boxing bout between viral sensations Majembe and Mbavu the Destroyer, pledging Sh1 million to each boxer ahead of their April 4, 2026, showdown in Nairobi.
The President made the surprise pledge during an interaction with Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, who briefed him on the bout that has captured national attention on social media.
“This Majembe and Mbavu the Destroyer, I wish them well,” Ruto said. “Let them do their thing, and I will place one million for Majembe and one million for Mbavu.”
Ruto also announced that he would sponsor tickets for 2,000 fans to attend the match. He said 1,000 tickets would be allocated to supporters of Majembe and another 1,000 to fans of Mbavu the Destroyer.
The bout, organised by comedian and media personality Oga Obinna, has grown from online banter into one of Kenya’s most talked-about amateur sporting events. It is scheduled for April 4, 2026, with organisers expected to announce the official venue in Nairobi in the coming weeks.
Several high-profile figures have also thrown their weight behind the two boxers, further boosting the spectacle.
Oga Obinna previously pledged an initial Sh1 million winner’s prize, while businessman Oketch Salah committed Sh200,000 to support both boxers and increase the prize pool.
Jalang’o publicly backed Mbavu the Destroyer, while award-winning rapper Khaligraph Jones declared support for Majembe. Nairobi’s Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, said he was willing to train one of the boxers ahead of the contest.
Jalang’o welcomed the President’s endorsement, with both men echoing the now-popular catchphrase associated with the bout, “weka mawe.”
Interest in amateur boxing surged in late 2025 after Majembe’s TikTok videos, in which he showcased his boxing skills while calling out potential challengers, went viral.
Several content creators attempted to step into the ring with him, but it was Mbavu the Destroyer’s challenge that gained traction and ultimately set up the highly anticipated clash.
Organisers say the bout is expected to draw large crowds and online viewership, reflecting the growing influence of digital creators in shaping Kenya’s entertainment and sports culture.
