Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale is gearing up for a new bullfighting season, and this time, he's introducing a new contender, Mung'onya.
The senator made the announcement on social media, ahead of the highly anticipated duel this weekend against rival bull Nyota, the Idakho East champion.
"Back to factory settings. Bullfighting rally at Malinya Stadium on Saturday, August 9, 2025. My young Mung'onya debuts against the Idakho East champion, Nyota. Come we rumble," Khalwale wrote.
This isn't Khalwale's first foray into bullfighting. In January 2024, his prized fighter bull, Inasio, was speared to death by the senator himself after it killed a man.
Khalwale later introduced Lumumba as Inasio's replacement, saying, “The Baluhyia culture abhors a vacuum.”
"The very large shoes of the departed fighter bull, Inasio, have now been stepped into by the young fighter bull, Lumumba,” he said on February 9, 2024.
Now, it seems Lumumba's time in the spotlight has passed, and Mung'onya is ready to take the stage.
Bullfighting is an integral part of the Isukha and Idakho subtribes' culture in Western Kenya.
The tradition originated as a way to mark significant events like funerals, where bulls were used to fill the grave of a deceased elder, believed to ensure the deceased's peaceful rest.
Beyond funerals, bullfights were also held to commemorate other significant events such as weddings and initiation rituals.
Over time, it evolved into a competitive sport that fosters community cohesion and symbolizes strength and virility.
The sport brings communities together, with spectators gathering to watch the fights and celebrate, strengthening social ties and fostering a sense of belonging.
Unlike other forms of bullfighting, the Luhya tradition does not involve the death of the bulls.
The fight ends when one bull concedes and retreats.
To stand a better chance of winning, owners carefully prepare and train their bulls, with victory symbolising strength, virility, and prosperity.
With Mung'onya set to take on Nyota at Malinya Stadium, the stage is set for an exciting showdown that's often preceded by fights involving much younger bulls as curtain raisers.
