Ruto pledges Sh2 million support for boxers Majembe and Mbavu

Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor and President William Ruto engaging on February 8, 2026 / Screengrab

President William Ruto has pledged financial and logistical support for the highly anticipated boxing match between Majembe and Mbavu Destroyer, giving a major boost to a bout that has already ignited excitement among Kenyan boxing fans.

The President made the commitment while engaging Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, who briefed him on the upcoming fight and urged him to back the event.

“There are two men, Majembe and Mbavu Destroyer, who will be meeting head-on on April 4, 2026. We have given them one month to train, you must place something on it,” Jalang’o told the President.

Responding lightheartedly, Ruto agreed to support the match, describing it as a different kind of national attraction.

“You are saying it is not Nyota, affordable housing, or the Social Health Authority. It’s not even a market—this is a different type of ‘stone’,” the President said.

“I wish Majembe and Mbavu Destroyer all the best. Let them go and try it out. I place Sh1 million for Majembe and Sh1 million for Mbavu Destroyer. For the fans who are going to watch, I will buy them 2,000 tickets,” he added.

The pledge has further fueled anticipation around the bout, which is being billed as one of the most thrilling boxing showdowns in recent Kenyan history.

Majembe, famed for his technical finesse, sharp footwork, and calculated approach in the ring, will take on Mbavu Destroyer, whose nickname “Weka Mawe” captures his raw power and aggressive, relentless fighting style.

Fans are already framing the contest as a classic battle of brains versus brawn.

The build-up to the fight has also been amplified by viral content on social media, including a widely shared video by TikTok boxing sensation Alfayo Siwo.

His animated and humorous declaration about the match has attracted thousands of reactions, comments, and shares across TikTok, Instagram, and X, turning the bout into a full-blown online spectacle.

Beyond the hype, analysts say the fight represents an important moment for Kenyan boxing, helping to spotlight local talent and draw new audiences to the sport.

Matches of this scale, coupled with viral promotion and high-profile backing, are seen as key to revitalising boxing locally and inspiring young athletes to consider the sport professionally.

As April 4 approaches, the Majembe versus Mbavu Destroyer clash is shaping up not just as a fight, but as a cultural event blending sport, entertainment and social media-driven fandom.