20/11/2025
▪️He will be operated on next Monday, November 24 in Nakuru
Christopher Kariuki popularly known as “Kawasaki” has lately been battling with health-related issues including a mild dementia after overcoming a stroke in 2022.
Now he has been diagnosed with aggressive PROSTATE CANCER On November 13, 2025, his daughter Lysa Kariuki and I, took him to an accomplished UROLOGIST attached to the MERCY MISSION (ANNEX) HOSPITAL NAKURU for a comprehensive check-up.
He’s slated to undergo surgery to curb the cancer cells from spreading to other organs of the body. Kawasaki will be operated on at the aforementioned hospital’s theatre on November 24, and we’re praying and hoping that the surgery will be successful.
That’s why we’re requesting you to join us in praying for this former Kenya Army and Telkom-Kenya boxing champion!
Brief biography
This former light-welterweight champion needs no introduction to the golden-era down-town natives of Nakuru city.
He’s an original Nakurian, not to mention that he’s a St Paul’s Primary School and (partial) Afraha High School alumnus as well as an ex-soldier who was attached to the 1st Army Battalion in Nanyuki.
Those who happened to have witnessed his theatrics in the ring might concur with me that he used to be a remarkable lethal “banger” who hardly took a step backward from his opponents but kept charging forward like a wounded buffalo.
Kawasaki was always equipped with heavy punches ferociously lobbed at the adversary’s head and body in a bid to win with a knock out reminiscent of Marvin Hagler, former world middleweight champion
Some of the most memorable international fights that he participated in include: The 1984 and 1986 King’s Cup in Bangkok, Thailand. On the local scene, he took part in more fights than he can remember especially after he stripped off the military fatigue and started working for Telkom Kenya in Nakuru.
Kawasaki reigned supreme for many consecutive years as the indomitable Kecoso light-welterweight champion until he hanged the gloves and retired from the giant parastatal in the early 2000s.
Since then, he has been in self-employment running a hand cart transportation business in Nakuru town until recently when his hard-working nature and robust health started declining.
He still lives at Kivumbini No.2 Estate, not to mention that he’s a great friend of mine and my nephew-in-law by virtue of being the husband to my niece Grace Wahu, mother to Victa Kariuki and Lydia Nyambura
Let’s wish him quick recovery.
Story written by John Githanga
Several boxers have been affected by prostate cancer, including former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks and middleweight title contender Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. More recently, active heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has used his platform to raise awareness of the disease.
Notable Cases
Leon Spinks: The former heavyweight champion, famous for his upset victory over Muhammad Ali in 1978, was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2019, which had spread to his bladder. He died in February 2021 at the age of 67 after a lengthy battle with the illness.
Rubin “Hurricane” Carter:
A former middleweight title contender who spent nearly 20 years in prison after a wrongful murder conviction, Carter died in April 2014 at the age of 76 from prostate cancer.
Daniel Dubois
The current IBF heavyweight world champion has partnered with Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness. He wore the organization’s logo during his September 2024 fight against Anthony Joshua and encourages men to check their risk for the disease.
Joe Augustine
A former professional boxer who was diagnosed with stage three prostate cancer at age 48, despite having no family history or initial symptoms other than general discomfort. He successfully recovered and now advocates for men’s health and regular screening.
