▪️The boxers were celebrating Paul Mungori’s elevation to the prestigious rank of Brigadier General at the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF)
June 21, 2026
Kenya Defence Forces boxers went on the rampage, attacking succulent goat ribs with reckless abandon at a grand colourful party to celebrate the promotion of their leader, Paul Mungori aka Wamashati, to the prestigious and powerful rank of Brigadier General.
The party, held at Matasia on the outskirts of Nairobi’s Central Business District, was a memorable occasion packed with KDF boxers, friends, influential corporate world figures and Mungori’s family members including his affable wife Rosemary Kananu and mother Serafina Wambui who was in cloud nine repeatedly hugging his son for this big achievement.
Mungori’s remarkable journey from scouting a tearful boxer at Kenya’s port city of Mombasa to his recent military elevation has cemented his legacy as a transformative leader and influential figure at the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) boxing fraternity.
Known for his approachable and generous nature, his latest promotion has sparked widespread celebrations and optimism within the sport.
One of Mungori’s unforgetable gestures of humanity dates back to 2017 at Uwanja wa Mbuzi in Mombasa. Then a Lieutenant Colonel, Mungori noticed Veronica Mbithe shedding tears of frustration. The talented light-flyweight boxer had no opponent which denied her the chance to display her skills.
Mungori noticed the raw potential, unyielding boxing passion and combat mentality in the young boxer who was then a member of the famous Railways Starehe Boxing in Dallas Muthurwa. Mungori took immediate action. He spearheaded her recruitment into the KDF, making her the first-ever Kenyan female boxer to join the military institution.
In an interview with boxersworld.co.ke, Mbithe vividly recalls the day she bathed in her tears at Uwanja wa Mbuzi in Kongowea, Mombasa.
“I was crying because I didn’t have an opponent to fight, it was league match,” says Mbithe who remains very grateful for Mungori’s timely gesture that has transformed her life tremendously.
“Brigadier General Mungori changed my life, I don’t know where I would be now if it was not for his support, he believed in me.
“The opportunity he gave me and other female boxers is exceptional, and we will forever be grateful, we can’t pay him but we will keep performing well and make him proud.
“Good deeds attract good fortune. That’s why blessings keep on following him. May he keep rising higher in his job. We love him so much.
Congratulations to Sir Mungori blessings to you.”
Known among the boxers as a deeply likeable and beloved leader, Brigadier General Mungori has consistently championed the welfare and growth of KDF pugilists. Following his well-earned promotion, he hosted a celebratory gathering at his residence in Matasia. True to his character, he did not forget his roots in the ring, ensuring the KDF boxers were front and center at the party to toast to his new rank and celebrate their shared triumphs.
The boxers were led by the team manager of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Boxing Club Warrant Officer (WO1) One Benson Maingi who has played a central leadership and management role in the Defense Forces Amateur Boxing Association (DEFABA), steering the KDF squad to top-level competitive dominance in the Kenya National Boxing League. Maingi’s highly resourceful wife, MCA Cecilia Wairimu, was also at the Big Party. She’s the treasurer of Nairobi County Boxing Association
Enjoying top form, the boxers relentlessly unleashed deadly combinations on goat ribs and fried chicken among the several dishes at their disposal. The party was a morale booster ahead of the national league second leg in Mombasa from July 9-11. Among the boxers present included 2022 Africa featherweight silver medallist Samuel Njau, Africa Military Games flyweight champion Kelvin “Young” Maina, 2024 Africa Championships bronze medalist Abednego Kyalo, Africa Zone 3 silver medallist Alvin Oduor, coaches Fred Orieyo, Nick Okoth, Simon Mulinge, chicken farmer Sammy Magima, Black Moses Mathenge and Nick Abaka all former international and KDF boxers.
Mungori’s unwavering commitment has allowed KDF boxers to thrive on both local and international stages. Take the case of Mbithe. She is now a Corporal and has risen to incredible heights—including securing a silver medal in the light-flyweight category at the 2024 Africa Military Games in Abuja, Nigeria, and winning gold in the 2025 Africa Zone 3 Championships in Nairobi.
With Mungori now stepping into the prestigious role of Brigadier General, the boxing community anticipates even greater infrastructural support, mentorship, and resources for the KDF Boxing Club.
Mungori is a firm believer in transformative leadership, borrowing the famous quotes of Maya Angelou (1928–2014), a pioneering American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist: “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
A voracious reader of different literature, Mungori has planted the same mentality in his wife Rosemary.
“Our house is a heap of books, my husband is always reading, and it’s through his wide knowledge that he has been promoted to Brigadier General,” Rosemary, a teacher by profession, told the attentive gathering during the party, and at the same time leaving us in stitches when she made it open she is now through with chewing books.
A smiling Rosemary, looking at her hubby straight in his eyes, said: “My husband please allow me to enjoy now I’m through with books. I have read enough but you can continue.”
Mungori says one of his immediate tasks is the revival of Inter-Services tournament, bringing together boxers from KDF, Police and Prisons.
“This tournament will definitely raise our standards because of its competitive nature,” Mungori told boxersworld.co.ke
“We will try and bring on board Safaricom to sponsor the Inter-Services, in doing so I will work closely with Boxing Federation of Kenya.”
Mungori feels the revival of the Inter-Services will also open up more employment opportunities for the Kenyan youth in this combat sport.
Picture design by Duncan Kuria aka Sugar Ray
