Kenyans unite around the country's growing bullfighting tradition

Описание: (17 Dec 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kakamega, Kenya - 29 November 2025
1. Wide of bullfighting supporters playing traditional drums, singing and dancing

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nairobi, Kenya - 15 December 2025
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Kathleen Anangwe, sociologist: ++PART OVERLAID WITH SHOT 3 AND 4++
"In the case of bullfighting, an interesting sport that is found in Western Kenya, mostly held after harvest to celebrate the harvest and so society came together, giving thanks, but enjoying at the same time. So what would happen is two bulls from two different groups would come and we would want to see or they would want to see what the strengths of the bulls are. There was a winner and not necessarily a loser, because what happened is that the loser would say 'next time I will get you'. That kept the spirit of society going."

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kakamega, Kenya - 29 November 2025
3. Various drone shots of 'Shakahola' and 'Promise' (white bull) fighting
4. Wide drone shot of 'Promise' fleeing the fight, supporters surrounding 'Shakahola'
5. SOUNDBITE (Kiswahili) Josphat Milimo, bullfighter:
++PART OVERLAID WITH SHOT 6 AND 7++
"I spoke to it and told him: 'You are going to face the bull that beat you last time, so I do not want him to beat you today.' In fact, I told 'Shakahola' to send him to the butchery for slaughter. He just got lucky and evaded the knife."
6. Various of the bull nicknamed 'Shakahola' being led out of a homestead
7. Drone shot of 'Shakahola' being goaded before the fight
STORYLINE:
It’s match day in western Kenya’s Kakamega County, locally known as the home of bullfighting, where two bulls are brought to face off in a dusty arena as thousands cheer.

The derby is a rematch between a relative newcomer bull Shakahola, named after the forest where more than 400 people linked to a cult died in 2023, and another named Promise that has been a longtime favorite, losing only a few matches in over 10 years.

The bullfighting tradition is deeply rooted among the Luhya community in Kenya’s Kakamega County.

It started as entertainment and celebrations after harvest season and has now evolved into a sport that attracts thousands of young people, some who even place bets on social media platforms.

Sociologist Kathleen Anangwe, a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, attributed the growing interest in bullfighting to the need for socialization and the high rate of unemployment, which is about 9% according to official statistics.

At least one workers' rights group estimates unemployment is much higher for youth.

The sport is contributing to the economy, promoting unity and social solidarity, according to Anangwe.

Through bullfighting, young people create an avenue to bond and use the matches to sell items such as snacks and bull chasing sticks.

"The youth are interested in identity, 'who am I?' and authenticity. Who am I, what do I stand for. Now, bullfighting gives that opportunity," Anangwe said.

Hours before the match, Shakahola the bull is given his daily dose of napier grass, water and a concoction of traditional herbs believed to make him stronger than his peers, according to the young man who has fed him for three years.

He gets pampered inside a hidden shelter behind his owner's house, away from prying eyes, before being transported by truck to the fighting arena.

His owner Josphat Milimo talks to the bull as part of a traditional ritual, encouraging him to take on his opponent in under five minutes.

Today’s match is a rematch after Shakahola lost to Promise about two years ago.

















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