East African Bodybuilding Championships in Eldoret: Bodybuilders eye Sh1 million prize

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

Eldoret-based body builders have set their sights on the Sh1 million winning prize money on offer at the inaugural East African Bodybuilding Championships tomorrow.

By yesterday, at least 93 bodybuilders from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania had confirmed participation in championships at Rupa's Fun and Fitness Centre in Eldoret.

Robert Ochieng of Eldoret bodybuilding club said he was mentally prepared for tomorrow's contest.

An experienced Ochieng made his debut at the Carnivore bodybuilding competition in 1998 emerging fourth, before later taking part at the Mombasa's Mr Mamba where he was third and Mr Eldoret in in 2008.

"The 2008 Mr Eldoret, where I also came third was my last competition and I am looking forward to ensuring that title remains at home on Saturday. The prize money is good and I am physically and mentally ready for the contest," Ochieng said.

He added: "I have been keeping fit during the hiatus and It is exciting to have bodybuilding back. I am better prepared this time because initially, I only did weightlifting during my preparations. Today, we have technology and better nutrition."

Alex Kizito and Emmanuel Omondi, also from Eldoret expressed confidence of a good show in the inaugural event.

Kizito said he was hopeful that one among the more than 20 bodybuilders from Eldoret will clinch the title.

The Eldoret-based bodybuilders have been training and keeping fit at the Rupa's Fun and Fitness.

Organisers said the bodybuilding show is aimed at reintroducing the sport which is famous in Europe and other Western countries.

Joseph Mugo, an organiser, said bodybuilders will today be sensitised by judge Robert Phil from England on qualifications for international competitions and anti-doping rules in bodybuilding.

"Phil is an experienced judge and we hope that our bodybuilders will learn a lot from him because we want to make bodybuilding a famous sport and we want the contestant to be papered to take part in global competitions," Mugo said.