Statecraft has met show business in the most unexpected way. President William Ruto has thrown his weight—and his wallet—behind the upcoming boxing clash between internet sensations Majembe and Mbavu the Destroyer.
In a move that has set social media ablaze, the Head of State has pledged Ksh 1 million to each fighter ahead of their April bout. This is not just a sports bet; it is a cultural statement. By stepping into the arena of influencer boxing, the President is tapping into the pulse of the digital generation, validating a new form of entertainment that traditionalists often dismiss. The fight, billed as a "clash of titans," has now been elevated from a TikTok trend to a national event, endorsed by the highest office in the land.
Ruto promises Ksh1M each to Majembe and Mbavu Destroyer ahead of boxing showdown
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.
As the April date approaches, the hype machine is in overdrive. The fight is no longer just about who has the better right hook; it is about who can carry the weight of expectation. For Majembe and Mbavu, the ring is no longer just a canvas square; it is a stage where careers will be made or broken.
