The highly publicised “Vurugu Fight,” held on 4 April 2026 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena, has moved from the boxing ring to the courtroom. Boxer Ferdinand Omondi, popularly known as Mbavu Destroyer, has filed a formal appeal against the results of the bout.
The match ended with Portifas “Majembe” Odipo being declared the winner before the conclusion of the fourth round.
Claims of Foul Play
Mbavu Destroyer has taken his grievances to the Sports Disputes Tribunal in Nairobi. In legal documents, he cites particulars of fraud and poor officiating.
The boxer alleges that Majembe intentionally delivered a low blow to his groin during the fight. This injury reportedly required immediate medical attention.
The appeal further claims that the referee failed to disqualify Majembe or advise the judges to do so.
Mbavu also accused the event promoter, Oga Obinna (Steve Thompson Maghana), of assigning “incompetent and unqualified persons” to act as officials for the high-stakes match.
“The solution for this thing is easy. Get a rematch and take what’s yours but Kotini [court] tena, he is about to waste a lot of time and resources,” Oga Obinna reacted.
Obinna’s Response
Promoter Oga Obinna responded to the legal challenge through his social media channels. He noted that he was served with the court papers on the evening of 10 April 2026.
This followed an interview on a podcast with Rapcha where the possibility of legal action was discussed.
Obinna suggested that Mbavu is being poorly advised by his legal team. He claimed that a lawyer is simply trying to “eat” the boxer’s money through a lengthy court process.
“Kuna wakili anataka kukula pesa ya mbavu polepooooole. I thought this thing was jokes btw when asked today by Rapcha on their podcast till I got served today evening.”
Obinna maintains that the best way to settle the dispute is through a rematch in the ring rather than in the “corridors” of the tribunal.
High Stakes and Heavy Prizes
The rewards for the Vurugu champion were significant, making the disputed result particularly contentious. The winner’s package included a brand-new Toyota Noah or Voxy valued at Ksh 4 million.
Additionally, a cash prize of Ksh 3.5 million was on the line, alongside a motorcycle worth Ksh 385,000. The total prize package also featured a one-year gym subscription.
Mbavu’s legal team is praying for the tribunal to compel the reversal of the decision. They are requesting that Mbavu be declared the winner and awarded all prizes.
Alternatively, they have requested that the tribunal declare a technical draw and order an immediate rematch to determine the correct champion.
The Kenya Professional Boxing Commission has been named as an interested party in the ongoing case. As the Sports Disputes Tribunal begins its review, the future of the Vurugu championship belt and the associated prizes remains uncertain.
