Boxer Mbavu Destroyer announces Makongeni MCA bid

Kenyan amateur boxer Ferdinand Omondi, popularly known as Mbavu Destroyer, has announced plans to contest the Makongeni Ward Member of County Assembly seat in the 2027 General Election.

Mbavu made the announcement in a campaign-style poster shared online. The poster features him wearing boxing gloves against a backdrop of the Kenyan flag, with a road sign bearing the name Makongeni Ward. It uses a cryptic message and his signature catchphrase to signal his entry into politics.

“Breaking News: It has been confirmed that I will be vying for MCA, Makongeni Ward, come 2027,” the poster read.

In the caption accompanying the post, Mbavu wrote: “Whenever a cockroach falls into the soup, it doesn’t spoil the soup. But it just spoiled the appetite…..it’s now about time…..Nimejaaa ngori na itakua mbayaaaaa.”

The poster lists four proposed priorities, including jobs and opportunities, better education, quality healthcare and improved infrastructure. It closes with the slogan, “Together We Can!”

The announcement comes months after Mbavu rose to national attention through viral boxing videos and his rivalry with fellow amateur boxer Portifas Odipo, popularly known as Majembe.

One of the videos associated with Mbavu showed him being struck on the back with a stone while repeatedly saying “weka mawe”.

The phrase, which means “put the stones”, became a signature part of his online persona and was later adopted by other social media users.

In February 2026, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga joined the trend by recreating the challenge, extending its reach beyond Mbavu’s immediate audience.

Mbavu’s popularity grew further through his rivalry with Majembe, whose online exchanges with him attracted attention ahead of their boxing contest.

The two faced off in the headline bout at Vurugu Fight Night at Kasarani Indoor Arena on April 4, 2026. Majembe won by technical knockout, bringing their much-publicised rivalry in the ring to an end.

The event attracted support from prominent figures, including President William Ruto, who pledged Sh1 million to each boxer and offered to buy 2,000 tickets for spectators.

After the defeat, Mbavu turned his attention to his neighbourhood, distributing packets of flour to residents in Eastlands in what he described as giving back to his community following the fight

His latest post follows earlier reports suggesting he was considering a political bid. On October 22, he had hinted at contesting the Makadara MCA seat after sharing a message bearing the words “Mbavu Madaraka 2027”.

The new poster specifically names Makongeni Ward, which is within Makadara Constituency, and states that he intends to contest the ward seat in 2027.