NAIROBI, Kenya, June 22, 2026 – The Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) have vowed to clamp down on political interference and disruptions to boxing events across the country following ugly scenes witnessed at last Saturday’s Vurugu 2 boxing event at Sarit Expo Centre.
KPBC secretary general Franklin Imbenzi said they will constitute a new set of protocols to ensure that politicians do not use boxing events as platforms to flex their muscles and hog the limelight.
“Going forward, KPBC will review its protocols regarding political attendance and participation at boxing events. Our focus will remain on athletes, sponsors, officials, and genuine stakeholders who contribute positively to the development of the sport,” Imbenzi said.
While acknowledging the support of politicians towards various competitions, KPBC, however, reiterated that such sponsorship is no excuse for the leaders to turn such events into popularity contests.
“KPBC wishes to make it clear that professional boxing must remain independent of political interference. Politicians are welcome to support sports through sponsorship, legislation, policy advocacy, and investment in sporting infrastructure. However, they must respect sporting regulations and the authority of event organizers,” Imbenzi added.
The Vurugu 2 event was turned into a political boxing ring, with various leaders present attempting to outdo one another using their different supporters who had accompanied them.
At one time, the organiser of the event, Oga Obinna, had to ask Siaya governor James Orengo, Lang’ata legislator Phelix ‘Jalang’o’ Odiwuor and his Embakasi East counterpart Babu Owino to calm their supporters who had brought proceedings to a standstill with their shouting marches.
Obinna was even forced to ask the politicians to leave the venue so that the bouts could continue smoothly without the rowdy sideshows.
KPBC condemned the unsavoury scenes, noting that they soured what had been an otherwise a memorable night of sports entertainment.
“We are deeply concerned by reports that political mobilization and the actions of organized groups contributed to the disruption of a sporting event that required months of planning, financial investment, and sacrifice by athletes and stakeholders,” Imbenzi said.
He added: “The greatest victims of such actions are the boxers themselves. Fighters dedicate weeks and months to training, make personal sacrifices, and step into the ring to earn a living and pursue their dreams. Any conduct that undermines their opportunity to compete is unacceptable.”
With just over a year to the General Elections, sporting events, such as football and boxing, are irresistible opportunities for politicians to push their agenda to the masses.
While commendable that KPBC have come out to draw the line on this issue, it remains to be seen whether the political class will indeed pay attention to this crucial matter and not use boxing rings as their venues for supremacy bouts.
