Body building contest: Joseph Owino crowned Mr Kilifi

Joseph Owino after winning the Mr Mr. Kilifi County body building contest at Kilif's De Coffee Club at the weekend. [PHOTO:ERNEST NDUNDA]

Joseph Owino flexed his muscles to win the Mr Kilifi County body building contest at Kilifi's De Coffee Club. The Malindi-based body builder was in a class of his own as he defeated a strong team of 26 musclemen for the crown.

"I'm happy to have won the contest as I had prepared well and I am looking forward to winning more events," said Owino in a post-match interview.

He pocketed Sh15,000, a trophy, supplements and a three-month free training at a gymnasium of his own choice. Mombasa's Joseph Ofula settled for the second position with Ibrahim Mohammed of Kwale winning the third slot. Ofula and Mohammed pocketed Sh10,000 and Sh5,000 respectively.

The event was organised by Fitness Instructors, Body Builders and Bouncers Association and coordinated by the Willy's Promotions. Pre-judging was delayed for hours after police moved in to stop the event after the Kenya Body Building Federation (KBBF) Chairman Chris Omedo said he had not sanctioned the event.

Omedo said the organisers did not follow the laid down rules by the federation. It took the intervention of Kilifi County Government for the event to proceed.  Omedo, however, warned the participants and organisers of dire consequences.

Willy's Promotions Director Wilson Onyango claimed there was vacuum in KBBF as the new office was yet to be registered by the Registrar of Societies.

"No one can claim to be in charge of body building in Kenya until he or she produces a letter from the Registrar of Societies. KBBF have only a recognition letter from the ministry of sports and are yet to be officially registered," said Onyango, who vowed to go ahead and organise the Mr Gender Warrior on December 6 in Mombasa.

Meanwhile, Omedo said Mr Nakuru County body building will be on Saturday at the Taidys Club. [e-mail]