A self-proclaimed prophet has moved to court seeking to ban boxing and wrestling sports in Kenya.
‘Prophet’ Mdodoki Kamau, through a certificate of urgency, said boxing is a violent sport that has endangered the lives of Kenyans and cited the case of Conjestina Achieng, who has been battling mental health issues.
Kamau also cited deaths of professional boxers, former world heavyweight champion and one of the world’s greatest fighters, Mohamed Ali, and Kenya’s Robert Wangila, who won a welterweight gold medal at the 1988 Summer Olympic Games.
The ‘prophet’ said the duo died from boxing-related illnesses.
The petitioner also cited Article 24 on the right to life, Article 27 on the equality before the law and Article 29 on the right to freedom and security.
Kamau said the application is spiritual and that the two sports are violent in nature and a health hazard.
The preacher sued the Commissioner of Sports, saying the sports tribunal dismissed his appeal citing lack of evidence.
He wants the boxing and wrestling sports to be declared unlawful in Kenya.
He further claims that Section 45 of the Sports Act establishes the position of the Sports Registrar, whose responsibility is registration and regulating sporting activities.
The tribunal, while dismissing his appeal, said participation in sports especially boxing is consensual in nature.
Kamau said the Bible does not condone violent sports, quoting 2 Corinthians and Proverbs 25:2
