Eldoret plays host to East Africa bodybuilding contest

Denis Otieno participates in Bantan category during East Africa Bodybuilding contest 2022 sponsored by Rupaz Fan and Fitness Centre in Eldoret yesterday.. October 8, 2022. [Peter Ochieng, Standard

More than 130 bodybuilders battled it out in the inaugural edition of Mr and Miss East Africa Bodybuilding contest in Eldoret yesterday.

Bodybuilders displayed phenomenal presentations for the Bikini, Wellness, figure, physique, bantam, light, welter, middle, light heavy and heavy weight categories during the prejudging stage, which preceded the finals last night.

Young youths participate in Bantan category during East Africa Bodybuilding contest 2022 sponsored by Rupaz Fan and Fitness Centre in Eldoret yesterday. Sultan Said (squatting was among the best participants. October 8, 2022. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Sh1 million winning prize was up for grabs in the championships.

Dennis Otieno, Jotham Elahetha and Abdikarim Kuran impressed judges in the welterweight category (70kg to 75kg) as Sultan Said, Assam Kisseka and Amos Barasa booked places in the bantam weight (60-65kg) finals in the graced by hundreds of bodybuilding enthusiasts at the Eldoret Rupaz Fun and Fitness Centre.

Young youths participate in Welter weight category during East Africa Bodybuilding contest 2022 sponsored by Rupaz Fan and Fitness Centre in Eldoret yesterday. Denis Otieno (left) was among the best participants. October 8, 2022. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

The event started with anti-doping sensitization sessions spearheaded by the Anti-doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), which warned bodybuilding contestants against the use of certain supplements that have been found to contain banned substances.

Brandon Abedi, Tobius Maobe and Hesbon Odhiambo were among six contestants who proceeded to the light weight (65-70kg) finals, while Joseph Wesonga, Rashid Abdalla and Feddy Otuge displayed impressive performances at the Physique class B category.

The contest’s organiser Joseph Mugo said the event was the first in Eldoret town, a city famous for track and road races.

“It has attracted a huge number of fans and we are impressed given that this is the first event in the region. The number of participants is also surprisingly huge and this is a signal that there is potential for the sport,” Mugo said.

Ladies participate in Female Bikini category during East Africa Bodybuilding contest 2022 sponsored by Rupaz Fan and Fitness Centre in Eldoret yesterday.. October 8, 2022. [Peter Ochieng, Standard

He said the event was used to create awareness on natural body building among athletes.

Bikini A was dominated by Michelle Mulalo, Maureen Sala and Priscilla Ibalai emerged the best in Bikini A contest.

On the other hand, Ann Maina, Carolyne Gummo, Daisy Kale, Lucy Ndirangu, Margaret Wainaina and Salome Mango competed in the Bikini B category. 

In the wellness (upto 163cm), Brenda Muhando, Wanjiru Ochieng, Diana Otieno and Emily Gitari displayed dazzling shows and qualified for the finals. The finals were due to be held last night.

Ladies participate in Female Bikini category during East Africa Bodybuilding contest 2022 sponsored by Rupaz Fan and Fitness Centre in Eldoret yesterday.. October 8, 2022. [Peter Ochieng, Standard

The competition, according to organisers, will prepare contestants for natural global bodybuilding competitions. “We thank our sponsors for the support. We will work closely with ADAK for a clean sport,” said Mugo.

A bodybuilding enthusiast, Eliot Berry said the event will bring a sport whose popularity in Kenya had waned.

Denis Otieno participates in Bantan category during East Africa Bodybuilding contest 2022 sponsored by Rupaz Fan and Fitness Centre in Eldoret yesterday.. October 8, 2022. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

“Apart from the youth batling it out for prize money and competing, the sport builds mental strenth,” said Berry. [Stephen Rutto]