Issa wins Mr Kenya bodybuilding title

Contestants flexes their muscles during Mr and Mrs Kenya 2016 bodybuilding championship at National Museum of Kenya on Saturday night 29/101/16. Rashid Isa won the Tittle.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

After finishing third in last year’s Mr Kenya bodybuilding competition, Nairobi’s Rashid Gift Issa produced a well-toned body to win this year’s title.

During the competition sponsored by USN and Fitness for Health Initiative Africa at the National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi on Saturday night, Issa was undoubtedly the overwhelming favorite candidate and the fans made their feelings known with constant cheers as Issa did his thing.

The cheering went on into the final showdown as Issa, who won Mr. Nairobi and Mr. Kakamega titles last year, smiled as he flexed, with soft music getting people into the mood.

“I had worked hard and my resilience finally paid off. I am happy to have overcome this strong opposition and to finally win the title,” said Issa.

Interestingly, Issa defeated last year’s Mr. Kenya, Michael Otieno of Mombasa, who finished third after Paul Mwangale, who was second.

Safari Kaluma was ourth, while Zablon Osiemo and Ramadhan Ali were fifth and sixth, after winning in their respective group categories.

In the women final, last year’s champion Sheetal Kotak surrendered the title after she was beaten to the second position by winner Everlyne Owala. Norah Nyabiage was third.

In male Physique, Hanif Msalaam was declared the winner, with Joseph Oyata finishing second and Justus Motatiro third.

Meanwhile, Fariah Esmail won in the Bikini contest, beating Ashley Brewster and Faith Wairimu to second and third positions. However, Kotak urged Kenya Bodybuilding Federation to secure competent judges for such events.

“Some bodybuilding judges need to go for refresher courses and learn more of posing categories. At times, it can be embarrassing for male judges to seat there and give opinion on abdominal, thighs and chest in physique category.

“Judges need to be competent enough and be conversant with requirements set by the international body,” said Kotak.