▪️President Kenyatta invited Kenya’s winning team in the Nairobi FESCAABA Boxing Championships. Kenya won the regional event for the fourth time with 9 gold medals, one silver and a bronze
April 7, 2026
President Jomo Kenyatta was treated to an exciting night of boxing by Kenyan boxers at State House, Nakuru, in 1976.
The Nakuru visit was initiated by the Amateur Boxing Association of Kenya (ABA) chairman Major Marsden Madoka, a close ally of the late president having at one time been his bodyguard.
It was the first time ever – and the only one so far – for Kenya’s national boxing team to land a State House invite. In other State House visits, boxers did so in the company of Kenya’s contingent for major Games such as the Olympic, Commonwealth and African Games.
Dallas Muthurwa product Muchoki and James Njoroge, who learned his trade at YMCA, took their estate rivalry to Jomo’s backyard. Dallas boxers always felt they were superior to Bahati Estate pugilists.
So whenever Muchoki and Njoroge met it was war. They first clashed in the inaugural National Junior Tournament in 1971 at the Prisons Staff Training College gymnasium, opposite Wilson Airport with Muchoki overcoming Njoroge.
The action-packed encounter had President Kenyatta on the edge of his seat as Muchoki and Njoroge furiously exchanged punches. Muchoki prevailed.
In other highlights, featherweight Jackson Ouma beat Billy Kiremi, light-welterweight George Oduori outpointed James Njuguna, welterweight Raymond Juma beat Peter Odhiambo, middleweight Zack Amalemba defeated David Makumba, light-heavyweight Seif Mekonnen outponted Joseph Kabegi and heavyweight Fred Sabat beat C.Opiyo.
Before the fights pitting Kenya “A” and “B” teams, the boxers were introduced to President Kenyatta by ABA chairman Major Madoka. The President was accompanied by among others Vice-President Daniel arap Moi, Minister of State Mbiyu Koinange and Rift Valley PC Isaiah Mathenge.
Recalling the visit Muchoki, one of the nine gold medallists, said they felt greatly how honoured to fight at State House in the presence of President Kenyatta.
“We all felt big shaking hands with the President, he gave each one of us a token of appreciation,” Muchoki told boxersworld.co.ke.
