Mombasa Governor rewards Vurugu 2 winner Mbalimbali with county job
By William Muthama, July 2, 2026Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has offered Coastal boxer Mbalimbali a job with the Mombasa County Government, a week after he defeated Alfayo Siwo at the Vurugu 2 boxing event.
Nassir announced the opportunity in an Instagram post on Thursday, July 2, 2026, after hosting the boxer, saying Mbalimbali had been offered an opportunity by the Mombasa County Public Service Board that would enable him to continue pursuing his boxing career while serving the people of Mombasa.
“With resilience, discipline and determination, anything is possible. In recognition of his achievements and as we continue supporting local talent, I am pleased that Mbalimbali has been offered an opportunity by the Mombasa County Public Service Board to continue pursuing his boxing career while serving the people of Mombasa,” the governor said.
From prison to the boxing ring
During his meeting with the governor, Mbalimbali shared his remarkable journey, revealing that he was released from prison on January 12, 2025, after serving a sentence for robbery with violence.
The boxer said he drifted into crime after completing school and spending time with the wrong company before his life took a dramatic turn.
“Mwaka jana 2025, Januari tarehe 12 ndiyo nilitoka prison. Maisha yangu yalikuwa tu ya uhalifu,” he said.
He recalled surviving a mob justice attack before being arrested and imprisoned, saying the experience made him rethink his future.
After his release, Mbalimbali decided to pursue boxing instead of returning to crime, hoping the sport would help transform his life.
“Nikasema wacha nianze… nikajaribu mtandaoni. Nikapata chance yangu hapo, Obinna akanipa ka-platform kidogo,” he said.
Financial struggles
Mbalimbali also spoke about the financial struggles facing local boxers, saying many athletes struggle to afford gym fees, proper nutrition and coaching while waiting for opportunities to fight.
“Changamoto ni nyingi sana. Upande wa kula, upande wa mazoezi. Kama hauna mtu wa kukushika mkono, huwa unapata tabu sana,” he said.
He thanked his coach for volunteering his services and said the county job would provide much-needed stability, allowing him to continue training while supporting his family.
Governor Nassir said Mbalimbali’s story should inspire young people to abandon crime, drug abuse and other destructive lifestyles.
“I think what we will do as a county is bring together young people who have overcome drug abuse and those who have left crime behind so they can motivate others. Waambie vijana wengine mtaani wachane na uhalifu. Uhalifu haulipi, na huu mji ni wetu sote,” he said.
Nassir further revealed that he would also be looking for fellow Coast-based boxer Munaswar, who also participated in the Vurugu 2 boxing event.
“Munaswar, wewe pia nakutafuta!”, the governor wrote, suggesting the county could also extend support to the boxer as part of its efforts to nurture local sporting talent and create opportunities for young athletes.