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Weka Mawe! Ruto uses Majembe vs Mbavu Destroyer boxing match to sell govt projects
08th February, 2026 11:21 PM
Opportunity dances with those on the dance floor, and President William Ruto has decided to shine at the boxing match between Majembe and Mbavu Destroyer.
Speaking on Sunday, February 8, 2026, when he met Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, the Head of State cleverly used the viral phrase Weka Mawe to market his flagship development programmes.
The light moment unfolded as Jalang’o urged the President to “weka mawe”, a phrase closely associated with internet sensation Mbavu Destroyer.
The President quickly turned the chant into a policy pitch. “Jalas! Mawe ile mimi najua ni ile ya affordable housing, SHA, Kazi Mtaani, NYOTA. Hiyo ndio ile mawe ile mimi najua,” Ruto said, drawing laughter from those present.
However, Jalang’o pressed on, explaining that another kind of mawe was capturing the attention of young Kenyans.
He told the President about the upcoming boxing match pitting Majembe against Mbavu Destroyer, scheduled for April 4, 2026, noting that the two fighters had been given one month to train. “Sasa lazima uwekelee mawe Rais,” Jalang’o added.
Ruto, playing along, sought clarity. “Na hiyo mawe si affordable housing, si NYOTA, si SHA, na si soko?” he asked, prompting Jalang’o to reply, “Hii ni mawe tofauti.”
Ruto to reward Majembe and Mbavu destroyer
Moments later, the President embraced the idea, announcing cash backing for both fighters.
“Okay, Jalas, uyu Majembe na Mbavu Destroyer, uyu wa kuweka mawe, mimi nawekeea Majembe one million na Mbavu Destroyer one million,” Ruto said.
He further pledged to buy tickets worth Ksh2,000 for fans who will attend the bout. “Hii ni mbaya,” he added, underscoring the excitement around the contest.
The phrase Weka Mawe has become Mbavu Destroyer’s signature, often used during his training sessions where he invites someone to hit him on the chest or back with a quarry stone, only for him to brush it off as though he has been touched by a toy.
Beyond the spectacle, the slogan has taken on a broader meaning, easily fitting into conversations around construction, particularly affordable housing.
By blending humour, pop culture, and policy, Ruto once again demonstrated his knack for riding trending moments to push his agenda, turning a boxing match into a platform to sell NYOTA, SHA, and his affordable housing drive to the youth.
