▪️African Games champ Edwin Okong’o, Zone 3 minimumweight king Silus Onyango, Giant Killer Mwinyi Kombo, Shaffi Bakari and Dennis Muthama book semis slots with boxing brothers Chris and Ben Juma making a strong statement 

April 3, 2026

Top international boxers maintained their march to the finals of the high-octane BFK National Kenya Open Championships at the historic Kaloleni Social Hall on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

Female boxers among them Africa Zone 3 light-middleweight champion Friza “The Smiling Assassin” Asiko step into the ring in today’s semi-finals thriller; so will World Championships quarter-finalist Robert “Man Man Ngori” who battles Mombasa’s Lazaro Odote. God give the Coastal boxer strength to withstand Okaka’s carpet bombing approach.

The highlight of today’s semi-finals is the gripping tension-charged lightweight encounter between World Championships pre-quarter finalist Washington Wandera and rising star Emmanuel Omollo. This fight will further fuel the fierce rivalry between defending Open champions Police and Kenya Defence Forces who have vowed to dethrone the cops.

Soldier Wandera will fight tooth and nail to avenge the defeat by the promising southpaw Omollo in the final leg of the 2025 national league in Kisumu.

Omollo is a determined 19-year-old youngster eager to represent the national team, and has made his intentions known with impressive victories so far.

In Thursday’s quarters, Wandera, a product of Kibra Olympic Club under coach Hassan Salim, stopped Churchill Kalla of Sombea in the first round after subjecting him to an eight count while stylish Omollo put up a dominant show enroute to a 5-0 victory over Kajiado’s Fernando Odhiambo.

The most impressive boxer so far and one of the favourites for the lightweight title, Ben Juma, was in the driver’s seat punishing Lamu’s Francis Oduor with heavy body and face shots but the resilient Lamu boxer stood firm to last the full course, Ben Juma prevailing 5-0. Both ended with one eight count each.

Ben and his younger brother Chris Juma have made a strong statement in the Kenya Open Championships. Indeed they’re ripe for the national team but 18-year-old Chris, a fourth form student at Mwiki Secondary School, still has one year left to join the elite national team.

Chris and Africa Zone 3 featherweight silver medallist Mwinyi “Giant Killer” Kombo won their quarter-final bouts and are likely to meet in Saturday’s finals. Chris, boxing for Kasarani Youth Club, beat Kajiado’s Peter Mwanzia 5-0 while Kombo stopped Sombea’s Abdul Rahim in the first round for a date with Lamu’s Rolex Otieno who beat Euticus Njau of G44 in the quarters.

With big-punching Caleb “Sugu” Wandera away attending Police training at Kiganjo, the light-welterweight title is up for grabs. Africa bronze medallist Aloice Vincent of Prisons, KDF’s impressive Pius Macharia and Sombea’s Ayub Waweru are among the favourites.

Aloice, shaking off some rust after the Prisons training, made heavy weather in beating Kibra’s Mansur Adams, Waweru stopped Prisons’ Francis Riziki and Macharia outpointed Mombasa’s Abdallah Juma.

In the minimumweight, Africa Zone 3 champion Silus Onyango of Police was fully stretched by Nairobi’s John Burugu on his way to a 5-0 victory but the highlight was the closely contested fight between Morris Kimani of Kasarani Youth and KDF’s Abdi Mohammed with Kimani winning on points.

All the bantamweight quarter-final bouts ended inside the distance.. Long-serving international Shaffi Bakari set the pace by stopping Kajiado’s Ibrahim Ntheleku in the first round and his rival Dennis Muthama following suit with a first round stoppage win over Meru’s Eric Gitonga. Shaffi and Muthama are all set for a big battle in Saturday’s finals if they win their semis today.

African Games middleweight champion Edwin Okong’o showed his class in stopping Nairobi’s Bradley Ochieng in the third round. The middleweight berth has attracted eight boxers. Sergeant Okong’o stands heads and shoulders above them all.

Okongo’s stiffest challenger, George Cosby of Police, has moved up to light-heavyweight and is likely to test the might of explosive puncher Robert Okaka aka Man Man Ngori in the finals. Cosby stopped Sombea’s Oliver Omondi in the second round in the quarters while Cosby’s Police teammate Humphrey Ochieng aka Jakababa received a walkover to move to the cruiserweight semis without throwing a punch. Jakababa’s main challenge here will come from KDF’s Chris Ochanda who has welcomed the Police boxer in the cruiserweight division but warns him not to expect sissy treatment if they meet in the finals.

“I’m not taking it lightly, I’ll defend my territory without fear or favour,” says the former Ruaraka Boxing Club boxer whose skills were honed by the late coach Jonte.

All in all, 20 fights failed to last the full distance in the quarters.

African Military Games champion and Zone 3 gold medalist Friza Asiko aka Smiling Assassin leads the women in today’s semis when she takes on Nakuru’s Winnie Shisali in the light-middleweight class. In the other semis, Nairobi’s intermediate champion Claire Okwaluma meets Kajiado’s Frecius Muthoni.

In the remaining semis, Prisons’ Grace Atieno will take on Phelister Oduor of Dallas in the minimumweight class, the winner meeting Prisons’ international Jane Wangare.

At flyweight Nairobi’s Lencer Akinyi faces Mombasa’s Dora Mcharo, the winner taking on Zone 3 champion Veronica Mbithe of KDF in the finals.

African Games bantamweight bronze medallist Amina Martha awaits the winner of the semis between Nairobi’s Mary Anyango and Mombasa’s Frida Mercy while in the featherweight class, it’s a straight final between international Paul Chege of KDF and Nairobi’s Joyce Nyaga.

Only 21 female boxers entered the National Kenya Open Championships. BFK needs to dig deep to find out why there’s a decline in women’s participation in such a major event.

The Open Championships has so far delivered entertaining bouts spiced with a thrilling display from the rising stars aiming to dethrone the regulars.

Kaloleni Social Hall has been buzzing with sharp sounds of leather hitting leather amid the roaring packed house, turning the hall into a pressure cooker of boxing talent.

The battles have been characterised by relentless pressure with the lightweight class featuring rapid fire combinations and tactical manouvres and the heavier weights have showed raw power as heavy punches explode on target, inviting thunderous cheers of appreciation from the crowd.

As the tournament enters the semis today, the battle is expected to be more intensive with KDF and Police boxers engaging in fierce exchange of fire for the overall title currently held by the cops.

Full quarter-final results of the 2026 National Kenya Open Boxing Championships at Kaloleni Social Hall on April 3.

Men 75Kgs
🟥 Maxwel Michael SOMBEA (0)
🟦 Kennedy Omollo KIBRA (5)

🟥 Evans Bosire NAKURU (0)
🟦 Stephen Onyango POLICE (5)

🟥 Lawrence Ombwochi KAJIADO
🟦 Martin Onyango KISUMU (RSC1)

🟥 Edwin Okongo KDF
🟦 Bradley Ochieng NAIROBI (RSC 2)

Light Middle 71Kgs
🟥 Zachary Mabea PRISONS
🟦 Humphrey Kamau SOMBEA

🟥 Alvin Oduor KDF
🟦 Paul Andai DALLAS (RSC 2)

🟥 Clinton Mutua LAIKIPIA (KO 1)
🟦 Samuel Owuor KISUMU

🟥 Mumina Matthews NAIROBI
🟦 Filbert Okoth HOMABAY (RSC 1)

Cruizer 86Kgs
🟥 Abdallah Juma MERU (RSC 1)
🟦 Glenstones Agade NAIROBI

🟥 Mohammed Hassan MOMBASA (W/O)
🟦 Humphrey Ochieng POLICE

Light Heavy 80Kgs
🟥 Emmanuel Odhiambo KISUMU
🟦 Reagan Simiyu KIBRA (W/O)

🟥 Oliver Omondi SOMBEA (RSC 1)
🟦 Cosby George POLICE

Fly 51Kgs
🟥 Emmanuel Chondo KDF-1
🟦 Enouch Wambua SOMBEA (RSC 1)

🟥 Isaack Ngula KIBRA (RSC 2)
🟦 James Tachia NAKURU

🟥 Abdallah Juma MOMBASA
🟦 Stanley Kimani KASARANI Y. (RSC)

🟥 Kevin Karoga KDF-2 (5)
🟦 Ben Kyalo KDF- 3 (0)

Minimum 48Kgs
🟥 Sillus Onyango POLICE (5)
🟦 John Burugu NAIROBI

🟥 Wilfred Ouma KISUMU (4)
🟦 Issack Karanja SOMBEA B (1)

🟥 Morris Kimani KASARANI Y. (5)
🟦 Abdi Mohammed KDF

🟥 Joseph Moses NAKURU
🟦 Winser Mbuthia SOMBEA

Welter 67Kgs
🟥 Sam Ndiema KIBRA (4)
🟦 Anthony Maina PRISONS (1)

🟥 Salim Ramadhan PRISONS (0)
🟦 John Muthani NAIROBI (5)

🟥 Fred Omondi KDF (5)
🟦 Musa Juma LAMU (0)

🟥 Derrick Omondi KASARANI Y. (4)
🟦 Andrew Mbuya MOMBASA (1)

Light Welter 63.5 Kgs
🟥 Aloice Vincent PRISONS
🟦 Mansur Adams KIBRA (ABD 2)

🟥 Javan Omollo KISUMU (RSC 1)
🟦 Warren Onyango KDF

🟥 Ayub Wawere SOMBEA
🟦 Francis Riziki PRISONS (RSC 1)

🟥 Pius Macharia KDF (5)
🟦 Abdallah Juma MOMBASA (0)

Bantam 54 Kgs
🟥 Shaffi Bakari POLICE
🟦 Ibrahim Ntheleku KAJIADO (RSC 1)

🟥 Chriss Musyoki PRISONS
🟦 Evans Omondi MOMBASA (RSC 1)

🟥 Dennis Muthama KDF
🟦 Eric Gitonga MERU (ABD)

🟥 Emmanuel Otieno G44
🟦 Julius Githinji LAIKIPIA (RSC 1)

Feather 57 Kgs
🟥 Kombo Mwinyi POLICE
🟦 Abdul Rahim SOMBEA (RSC 1)

🟥 Euticus Njau G44 (1)
🟦 Rolex Otieno LAMU (4)

🟥 Peter Mwanzia KAJIADO (0)
🟦 Chris Juma KASARANI Y. (5)

🟥 Joseph Gatambo KDF
🟦 Steve Kadella KIBRA (ABD)

Light 60 Kgs
🟥 Washington Wandera KDF
🟦 Churchill Kalla SOMBEA (RSC)

🟥 Fernando Odhiambo KAJIADO
🟦 Emmanuel Omollo POLICE

🟥 Frank Oduor LAMU (0)
🟦 Ben Juma KASARANI Y. (5)

🟥 Eric Odoyo KISUMU
🟦 Ramadan Ngala MOMBASA (RSC 1)

Results courtesy Boxing Federation of Kenya
IBA Boxing | WORLD BOXING | NOCK

Photos by Duncan Kuria and Oppo DiCaprio

▪️Boxing brothers Ben and Chris Juma, Dennis Muthama, Emmanuel Omollo, Lamu’s Francis Oduor, Musa Juma and KDF’s Abdi Mohammed and Pius Macharia light up Kaloleni Social Hall

April 2, 2026

Rising boxing stars dominated the opening day of BFK’s National Kenya Open Boxing Championship at the crowded Kaloleni Social Hall, delivering thrilling performances and dazzling display of speed as the tournament enters the quarter-finals today.

Big up to Juma brothers Benedict and Chris, KDF’s Dennis Muthama, teammate Pius Macharia and newcomer Abdi Mohammed, Emmanuel Omollo of Police, Lamu’s Musa Juma and Francis Oduor among the boxers who lit up Day One of the National Kenya Open Championships.

Lightweight Benedict Juma of Kasarani Youth Club put up the standout performance of the day beating Fidel Okoth of Nairobi “B” 5-0. He displayed a smart repertoire of nice body shots and then going upstairs in a bout which should have been stopped earlier because Okoth was on the receiving end throughout the fight.

Equally impressive was Emmanuel Omollo of Police in outpointing Mombasa’s Vincent Ochieng. There’s a possibility of the promising southpaw Omollo battling lightweight top seed Washington Wandera in the semi-finals if both of them win their quarter-final bouts today.

International Wandera has a date with Churchill Karia of Sombea while Omollo meets Kajiado’s Fernando Odhiambo in the quarter-finals. Ben Juma meets Lamu’s Frank Oduor.

KDF’s bantamweight Dennis Muthama was in a ruthless mood enroute to a second round stoppage victory over Sombea’s Eric Ondicho. The victory sets up Muthama for a possible final showdown with his rival Shaffi Bakari of Police. The experienced international Shaffi starts his campaign today in the quarter-finals against Kajiado’s Ibra Thereku.

National novices and intermediate welterweight champion Elvis Lincoln moved down to light-welterweight hoping to do better but found the going rough in losing to KDF’s Pius Macharia, a product of Umoja Gym coach Mike Mungai. Macharia simply outwitted Lincoln neutralizing all his moves.

World Championships quarter-finalist Robert Okaka of KDF will not be in action until Fridays semi-finals against Mombasa’s Lazaro Odote, and from the look of things the big-punching Okaka is favoured to retain his Kenya Open title as he faces meek and inexperienced opposition.

Okaka’s Police rival, Humphrey Ochieng aka Jakababa has moved up to cruiserweight and opens his account in today’s quarter-finals against Mombasa’s Muhammad Hassan.

The female boxers enter the ring from the semi-finals on Friday with a thin entry of only 21 boxers.

African Games bronze medallist Amina Martha has received a bye to the bantamweight finals, waiting for the semi-finals winner between Mary Anyango of Nairobi and Mombasa’s Frida Mercy. Amina, unbeaten since her 2019 defeat to Alice Waiyego, is hotly favoured to retain her Open bantamweight title.

At featherweight, international Pauline Chege will take on Joyce Nyaga of Nairobi in the finals with only two entrants in this berth.

Africa Zone 3 light-flyweight champion Veronica Mbithe of KDF has received a bye to the flyweight finals, and meets the semi-finals winner between Nairobi’s Lencer Akinyi and Mombasa’s Dora Mcharo.

Another Kenyan female Africa Zone 3 champion, Friza Asiko, is favoured to lift the light-middleweight title. Friza first meets Nakuru’s Winnie Shisali in the semis with Nairobi’s Clare Okwaluma battling Kajiado’s Precious Muthoni in the other light-middleweight semi-final.

At minimumweight, Prisons international Jane Wangari has received a bye to the finals, and awaits the winner of the semi-finals encounter against her clubmate at Prisons, Grace Atieno and Philister Oduor.

Day One full results of the BFK National Kenya Open Championships at Kaloleni Social Hall

2026 NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

1-4 Apr 2026 – Kaloleni Social Hall

Preliminaries

Men 54Kgs

🟥 Dennis Muthama KDF ✔️

🟦 Erick Ondicho SOMBEA RSC-2

🟥 Erick Gitonga MERU (3)

🟦 Jared Otieno KIBRA (2)

🟥 Emmanuel Odhiambo G44 (4)

🟦 Felix Kuria NAKURU (1)

🟥 Julius Githinji LAIKIPIA (4)

🟦 Reuben Oketch

Preliminaries

Men 51Kgs

🟥 James Tachia NAKURU (3)

🟦 Jeff Ndungu NAIROBI (2)

🟥 Moses Kilavuka PRISONS (1)

🟦 Abdallah Juma MOMBASA (4)

🟥 Stanley Kimani KASARANI (5)

🟦 Ken Muchiri LAIKIPIA (0)

🟥 Samuel Small SOMBEA (0)

🟦 Ken Karoga KDF (5)

🟥 Brian Okwema KISUMU (0)

🟦 Ben Kyalo KDF (5)

Preliminaries

Men 57Kgs

🟥 Ben Kimathi LAIKIPIA (RSC)

🟦 Peter Mwanzia KAJIADO

🟥 Chris Juma KASARANI (5)

🟦 Frank Omondi KISUMU (0)

🟥 Joseph Gatambo KDF (3)

🟦 Sam Nganga KIAMBU (2)

🟥 Brian Job HOMABAY (KO)

🟦 Steve Kadella KIBRA

Preliminaries

Men 60Kgs

🟥 Ferdinand Odhiambo KAJIADO (5)

🟦 Robert Gachuchi NAIROBI-A (0)

🟥 Vincent Ochieng MOMBASA (0)

🟦 Emmanuel Omollo POLICE (5)

🟥 Paul Ojwang KISUMU (RSC)

🟦 Frank Oduor LAMU

🟥 Ben Juma KASARANI (5)

🟦 Fidel Okoth NAIROBI-A (0)

🟥 Erick Odoyo KISUMU (4)

🟦 Ben Gitahi LAIKIPIA (1)

🟥 Bruce Okello KIBRA (0)

🟦 Rama Ngala MOMBASA (5)

Preliminaries

Men 63.5 Kgs

🟥 Pius Macharia KDF (5)

🟦 Elvis Lincoln KASARANI (0)

🟥 Abdallah Juma MOMBASA

🟦 Regan Odindo MERU (ABD-R2)

Preliminaries

Men 67 Kgs

🟥 Wicky Onyango KISUMU (RSC)

🟦 Musa Juma LAMU

🟥 Derrick Omondi KASARANI

🟦 Boniface Simiyu KAJIADO (RSC-I)

🟥 Junior Ochieng MOMBASA

🟦 Andrew Mbuya. HOMABAY (W/O)

Preliminaries

Men 48Kgs

🟥 Said Matano MOMBASA (RSC-3)

🟦 Abdi Mohammed KDF

🟥 Ambrose Junior NAIROBI (0)

🟦 Joseph Moses NAKURU (5)

🟥 David Mwangi LAIKIPIA (KO)

🟦 Winsel Mbuthia SOMBEA

Courtesy (results)Boxing Federation of Kenya

IBA Boxing | WORLD BOXING | NOCK

▪️National Kenya Open Championships explodes into action with 134 boxers – 113 men and 21 women – from 18 teams battling it out for personal and team glory
▪️Jakababa moves up to cruiserweight and will not meet rival Robert Okaka who has beaten him five times

April 1, 2026

The ring is set and the gloves are laced as Kenya’s upcoming and established boxers trade leather in the National Kenya Open Boxing Championships at the Kaloleni Social Hall, Nairobi, from 3pm today, April 1, 2026.

The one million dollar question remains: which team will end the domination of defending Open champions Kenya Police and KDF, placed second overall in the 2025 Kenya Open at Charter Hall.

The two service teams have dominated boxing in Kenya for over a decade since the demise of top clubs such as Breweries, Posta, Railways and Kenya Ports Authority.

Among the international boxers taking part are Africa Zone 3 minimum champion Silus Onyango, flyweight Emmanuel Chondo, Shaffi Bakari, Dennis Muthama, World Championships quarter-finalist Robert “Man Man Ngori” Okaka, African Games champion Edwin Okong’o, Zone 3 silver medallist Mwinyi Kombo, Washington Wandera and fast-rising boxing brothers, Chris Juma and Benedict Juma.

The 18 teams taking part are Police, KDF, Prisons, Lamu, Homa Bay, Nairobi, Kibra,Kajiado, Meru, Dallas, Sombea, Kisumu, G44, Kiambu, Nakuru,Laikipia, Mombasa and Kasarani Youth.

In women’s category, some of the top boxers in action include Africa Zone 3 champions Veronica Mbithe and her KDF teammate Friza Asiko.

Mbithe has received a bye to the flyweight finals, awaiting the winner of the semis bout between Nairobi’s Lencer Akinyi and Dora Mcharo. Friza meets Nakuru’s Winnie Shisali in the semis on Friday.

Shaffi, Kombo, Wandera, Aloice Vincent and Alvin Oduor and Edwin Okong’o have received byes to the quarters and will not be in action until on Thursday.

Bantamweight Muthama steps into the ring today against Eric Odicho of Sombea while at feather Chris Juma of Kasarani Youth opens his account against Kisumu’s Frank Omondi with his elder brother Ben Juma meeting Fidel Okoth of Nairobi B.

Robert Okaka will fight on Friday in the semis against Lazaro Odote of Mombasa, and Jakaba in Thursday’s quarters against Mohamed Hassan of Mombasa at cruiserweight.

▪️It’s a crucial fixture aligned with Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) regulations

April 1, 2026

The spotlight will firmly be on the capital this Saturday as Juluka Boxing Academy, in partnership with LIGI Bar & Restaurant, hosts the much-anticipated Harare Provincial Boxing Fiesta at Epworth Local Board Hall.

The tournament is not just another date on the calendar, but a crucial fixture aligned with Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) regulations, which mandate that each province stages an annual general meeting and maintains an active competition schedule. Such activity is essential in ensuring boxers are assessed and remain eligible for inter-provincial tournaments and national team selection.

Speaking ahead of the event, Juluka Boxing Academy director Thomas Kambuyi underscored the importance of the initiative, describing it as a deliberate effort to reposition Harare at the forefront of Zimbabwean boxing.

“This tournament is not just about the fights on the night, but about fulfilling our obligation as a province to remain active and relevant. The federation requires every province to demonstrate activity, and for us in Harare, the expectations are even higher.

“We have a responsibility to create opportunities for our boxers to showcase their talent, be assessed, and ultimately be considered for national duty. Without such platforms, talent remains hidden and undeveloped,” he said.

Harare, as the country’s capital, carries the weight of expectation in setting the standard for provincial boxing structures. Kambuyi acknowledged this reality, stressing that the fiesta is part of a broader vision to rebuild a strong and competitive boxing ecosystem.

“Harare should always lead from the front. We have the numbers, we have the talent, and we have the infrastructure. What has been missing is consistency in activity, and this is what we are addressing.”

Juluka Boxing Academy itself boasts a proud legacy, having produced several boxers who have successfully transitioned into the professional ranks, capturing both national and regional titles. Kambuyi believes the renewed corporate partnership signals a turning point.

“Juluka has always been a breeding ground for champions. Over the years, we have nurtured fighters who have gone on to achieve great things in professional boxing. This partnership with LIGI Bar & Restaurant is a major boost and will go a long way in reviving our past glory.

The event, scheduled to start at 1600hrs, will feature a lineup of exciting bouts showcasing both emerging and established amateur fighters from across the province. While invitations have been extended to clubs that include Roygri in Mvurwi and another academy based in Kadoma, local clubs expected to grace the occasion include St Mary’s, Shumba, Ultra Kick, Uprising, Issa Hard Rock and the hosts, Juluka.

Beyond the ring action, fans will also be treated to live entertainment from a host of local artists, adding a festival atmosphere to the occasion. Performances will be provided by the likes of Ziggy the Crusader, Sunken D, Crazy E, Madzibaba Teaspoon and Toto, among others.

Kambuyi emphasized that such integration of sport and entertainment is key to growing boxing’s appeal.

“We want to make boxing an experience. It’s not just about the bouts, but about bringing communities together, celebrating talent, and creating an environment where people can enjoy themselves while supporting the sport.”

With affordable entry fees and a strong card expected, the Harare Provincial Boxing Fiesta is poised to reignite interest in local boxing while fulfilling critical developmental and regulatory objectives.

And for Harare’s boxing fraternity, Saturday’s event represents more than just competition—it is a statement of intent.

Courtesy of Gilbert Munetsi

▪️Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface “The Hammer” Mogunde withdraws from the Kenya Open Championships

▪️Draws to be conducted from 10.30 am today after weigh-in and medical check-up

April 1, 2026

A provisional national boxing team to take part in various tournaments this year will be selected during the National Kenya Open Championships starting today, April 1, 2026, at the Kaloleni Social Hall in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi from 2pm.

Kenya’s national team head coach Musa Benjamin, in wishing all the participants the best of luck, has reminded the boxers on the importance of this four-day championships to feature pugilists from all over the country.

“This is a very important event in BFK’s calendar. New boxers, who have come through novices and intermediate, get a chance to prove themselves against the seasoned boxers, this is where future champions emerge,” Musa told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.

“It’s now time for the boxers to show what they are made of, technical and tactical ability, heart and resilience.

“It’s not just a fight for the title but personal growth and pride. We will get our provisional team from this Open Championship that will represent the country in various international competitions this year.”

Among the international tournaments lined up for the national team, nicknamed Hit Squad, is Africa Zone 3, Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships, two world championships and the Commonwealth Games.

Commenting on the reduction of weight classes to seven in the Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland, Musa expressed his big disappointment.

“Very unfortunate, the reduction denies boxers who don’t fall in those weight categories a chance to compete in the Games,” said Musa.

Meanwhile, Africa light-middleweight champion Boniface Mogunde of the defending champions, Kenya Police, will be unavailable for the Kenya Open owing to pressing family commitments.

“Mogunde will be excused since he has valid reasons to miss the Open, so we’re sure BFK will consider him when they pick the national team,” said Police coach James Wasao.

The medical and weigh-in will be conducted from 8am today followed by the technical meeting and the draws. Action starts at 2pm.

Photo by Duncan Kuria

▪️KDF’s international Washington Wandera’s territory is in danger against ambitious youngsters Ben Juma and Emmanuel Omolo

March 31, 2026

The lightweight division in this year’s National Kenya Open Boxing Championships is a mix of ambitious youngsters and experienced Washington Wandera of KDF.

Kaloleni Social Hall will host the Kenya Open from April 1-4, 2026.

There’s fire in the lightweight division as Wandera, who represented the national team in the Men’s World Championships in Dubai, will use every trick in the book to protect his territory.

Since he started boxing in 2011 at Kibra Olympic Club under coach Hassan Salim, and later handled by 1994 Commonwealth Games heavyweight champion Ahmed Omar aka Kasongo, Wandera has gained considerable experience but Omolo and Ben Juma are not shaken. They want to topple Wandera who lost in the round of 16 during the World Championships in Dubai to Latvia’s Matvejs Prokudunis. Earlier, Wandera put up a superb show in outpointing Uganda’s Fahad Mulindwa in the round of 32.

In the 2025 Kenya Open at Charter Hall, Wandera controversially lost in the finals to Ethan Maina of Police. Maina, a product of popular Mbotela coach Raphael “Kamwana” Kamuya, has now moved up to light-welterweight.

Omolo learned his trade at Umoja Boxing Club under coach Mike Mungai, a former boxer, while Juma was at Kasarani Boxing Club handled by Ian “Major” Otieno before moving to Kasarani Youth.

After the departure of Nick “Commander” Okoth, there’s no lightweight who has shown an indication of emulating him. Maybe either the two youthful boxers might succeed but only if they get past the battle-hardened KDF soldier.

Juma’s burning ambition is to represent the national team, and dominate the lightweight berth. He says Wandera is his main rival.

“I’ve defeated Wandera once during the Robert Wangila Cup,” he told boxersworld.co.ke. That was his most memorable win.

Besides boxing what else does Juma do for a living?

“For now I’m jobless, if I can get a job at KDF I’ll be very happy,” says the 20-year-old Juma.

▪️The Mombasa-based Kombo will be representing his new club Police with the possibility of a permanent job

March 30, 2026

Defiant Mwinyi Kombo aka Giant Killer has declared total war against his rivals in the Kenya Open Boxing Championships scheduled for Kaloleni Social Hall from April 1-4.

Mwinyi arrived in Nairobi today, March 30, 2026, and trained with the rest of his Police teammates at Mathare Depot.

“I’m not here for a wedding, it’s war in the ring, Chris Juma has been talking a lot but I’ll speak with my fists in the ring,” Kombo told boxersworld.co.ke

Known for his lethal punches, Kombo said his rivals will see a new Kombo.

“Some claim I just use power without strategy, I’m very calculated in my boxing,” said Kombo who won featherweight silver in the 2025 Africa Zone 3 Championships losing in the finals to Uganda’s Kassim Murungi.

Unconfirmed reports have it that on the eve of his departure to Nairobi, Kombo spent the night solo in one of the Coastal beaches, perhaps talking to his ancestors.

Kombo was on top of his game in the 2024 Kenya Open, knocking out Isaac Meja and 2022 Africa Championships silver medallist Sam Njau who has since maintained a loud silence. At his best Njau can rock.

In a past interview, Kombo told me how he beat Njau.

“My strategy worked, I tricked Njau into playing my game ‘akaingia box’ (fell into my tricks) that’s how I finished him,” said Kombo.

“I was not just throwing punches at random, I was aiming at the target, I knew Njau moves a lot so I decided to box flat-footed cutting in and hitting him hard where it mattered. He couldn’t stand my power punches because I know I’m strong.”

Kombo explains how he finally KO’d Njau.

“He threw a one-two, I ducked and hit him with my powerful right uppercut and followed it with a left hook to the chin that finished him.”

Kombo went on to defeat Chris Juma, who outsmarted international Shaffi Bakari of Police enroute to a deserved points win in the quarter-finals.

“I can’t underrate Juma, he’s taller than me, he’s fast and a clever boxer but I have a new powerful dose for him,” said Kombo ahead of a possible rematch with the sensational form four schoolboy at Mwiki Secondary in Nairobi.

Kombo started boxing in 2012 at Changamwe Boxing Club in Mombasa, and singles out former Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) boxers, featherweight Shaban Wangalwa and bantamweight George “Spider” Opiyo, for giving him a firm foundation in boxing. He moved to Kongowea Boxing Club in 2017 landing into the safe hands of coach William Okumu whom Kombo said opened the door for him to fight outside Mombasa.

“Opiyo was a stylish boxer, he taught me all the tricks like changing my game to confuse my opponent, feinting as well as being unpredictable. Shaban mostly taught me punching accurately with power and various training exercises. I can’t forget Opiyo and Shaban, they made me what I am today.”

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▪️Top international boxers gearing up for the fight of their lives, it’s ish! ish! 

March 30, 2026

Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) has switched the National Kenya Open Boxing Championships to the famous Kaloleni Social Hall.

BFK’s Competition Secretary John Waweru told boxersworld.co.ke that owing to unavoidable circumstances, they have been forced to move this big event from Charter Hall to Kaloleni from April 1-4.

“Everything else remains unchanged, the weigh-in and medical check-up starts at 8am on Wednesday followed by the technical meeting and draws from 10.30 am,” said Waweru.

For boxing addicts in Eastlands, this is sweet news. This is the home of some of Kenya’s past and current top boxers.

Kaloleni Social Hall has hosted a dozen major boxing competitions in the past including the fiercely fought 197O Commonwealth Games boxing trials.

This is where Eastleigh Secondary School student David Attan announced his arrival in big-time boxing, twice defeating the renowned John Olulu in 1969.

Among other marquee boxing events held in Kaloleni, home of 1000 Street, is the 2018 Commonwealth Games trials.

KDF’s Africa Zone 3 gold medallist Veronica Mbithe, her teammate Peter “The Beast” Abuti and twice Commonwealth Games medallist Benson Gicharu provided some of the highlights.

Gicharu, as usual, mesmerised the packed hall with his acrobatic flips following his demolition of KDF’s Isaac Meja, Abuti signalled his intention to don the national vest with an impressive display against Nick Abaka who prevailed. Impressed by his performance, the selectors picked Abuti as a sparring partner when the team camped in Nakuru.

Mbithe upstaged her rival Christine Ongare but didn’t travel to Gold Coast, Australia, opting for KDF job training in Eldoret.

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▪️He was just too strong for his Ongata Rongai clubmate 

Kenya’s youth international Brian “Brayo” Arianda is back from Bangkok with vengeance.

Putting behind his loss in the Futures U19 tournament, Arianda put up a dominant show to stop his Ongata Rongai clubmate, Alphonce Otieno, after only 33 seconds of the first round in this flyweight bout during the The B-Boxing Dynasty Boxing Cup first leg on March 28, 2026, at the Sheria Mtaani Wellness Centre.

He carried the fight to Otieno from the first bell, shaking him with heavy shots that spelt doom for his opponent. In the course of close-quarter exchanges Arianda released a right cross which exploded on Otieno’s face for an eight count.

On realising Otieno was still unstable and groggy the referee wisely stopped the fight.

“That’s a morale boosting win for me, I fought my clubmate because no opponent of my age was available,” said Arianda.

The 16-year-old Arianda made his international debut in the Futures Cup U19 tournament in Bangkok this month, losing to Turkey’s Mahammet Ali in the round of 32.

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▪️She’s going for her third light-flyweight title in a row in the National Open Boxing Championships at Charter Hall from April 1-4

March 29, 2026

Smooth-talking Africa Zone 3 light-flyweight champion Veronica Mbithe aka Pioneer (pictured) is a perfect blend of feminine elegance and intellectual violence when in the ring.

While Mbithe brings girlish touch in boxing, she remains committed on the ideals of this tough combat sport that requires resilience, determination and perseverance.

Not many fans are aware that the Landy Mawe-bred Mbithe is going for a treble in the Boxing Federation of Kenya’s National Open Boxing Championships starting on April 1 at Nairobi’s Charter Hall.

She’s the two-time National Open light-flyweight champion. Victory in the finals will enable her win the Open title for three times in a row, emulating the doyen of women’s boxing in East Africa Liz Andiego who has won the Open title a dozen times.

In the 2025 Open Championships, Mbithe outpointed Nairobi’s Faith Nafuna in the finals of the light-flyweight division.

The Armed Forces Corporal put up a polished display, showing considerable improvement in her boxing style, getting over her past swimming approach.

With Nafuna now in Eldoret attending KDF training, Mbithe is unchallenged unless a newcomer springs a surprise. Much will be known during the weigh-in and boxers registration in the light-flyweight category next Wednesday.

Mbithe honed her skills at Dallas Boxing Club from 2014 under coach Charles Mukula who at one time had to intervene to convince Mbithe’s mum, Eunice Nziva, to let her daughter pursue boxing.

To show her dislike for the sport, Mbithe’s mum had hidden her training kit in a desperate attempt to keep her away from boxing.

Hours of persuasion by coach Mukula forced Mbithe’s mum to reluctantly accept her daughter remains in boxing.

Mbithe’s employment by KDF, however, changed her negative perception on boxing. She became a big beneficiary of her daughters earnings as she poured money on her salon business that is now thriving.

Mbithe the pioneer became the first ever female boxer to be employed by KDF in 2018, paving way for others such as Friza Asiko, Pauline Chege and Agnes Wambua to follow suit.

Her diligence at work enabled Mbithe rise to the rank of Corporal, becoming the first female boxer to be promoted to that position.

In a past interview with boxersworld.co.ke, Mbithe attributed her success in life to boxing. “Through boxing, I now have a job, and I’m now a Corporal,” says Mbithe, adding: “Boxing has empowered me greatly not forgetting changing my family’s life, it also has opened other avenues and channels, I urge female boxers to work hard and be patient to make it in life.”

Whom does Mbithe single out for her success in boxing and the military?

“My success is not just pegged on one person but several notably Colonel Paul Mungori who gave us women a chance in the KDF boxing team, secondly coach Charles Mukula who taught me boxing straight after high school at Dallas Boxing Club in Muthurwa Estate, I still visit Mukula at Dallas to train with him and encourage boxers at my former club. I can’t forget my roots, Mukula made me what I am today in boxing.”

Mbithe has several admirers including rising boxing giant Ellah Demesi who recently represented Kenya’s youth team in the Futures U19 tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.

A member of Kibra Youth Club, Ellah is following in the footsteps of Mbithe.

She’s among the upcoming female boxers who will throng Charter Hall to watch their idol Mbithe doing her thing in the National Open Championships.

Don’t miss the National Open Championship showdown. It’s going to be a blast.

For the uninitiated: “Intellectual violence” in the boxing ring refers to the use of high-level boxing intelligence (Fight IQ), strategy, and psychological manipulation to dominate an opponent, rather than relying solely on brute physical strength. It is the mental aspect of “The Sweet Science,” where a boxer breaks down an opponent’s patterns, exploits weaknesses, and forces them into mistakes, turning a physical contest into a tactical, often psychological, battle.

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