When we think of prominent Kenyan figures, martial arts prowess might not be the first thing that comes to mind.
However, beneath the surface of their public personas, there are individuals who have dedicated years to mastering various martial arts disciplines.
These remarkable Kenyans have not only excelled in their chosen fields but also showcased their impressive martial arts skills to the world.
WoK takes a closer look at some of these extraordinary individuals:
Plo Lumumba
PLO Lumumba is a name synonymous with oratory speeches and a successful law career. Yet, there’s another facet to this renowned figure – his expertise in martial arts, particularly karate.
The former director of the Kenya School of Law holds a third Dan blackbelt in Shotokan Karate.
In an interview with NTV’s Dr. Kingori, Lumumba disclosed that he had been practicing martial arts since 1975 and has even co-created a new martial art called Niabuntu, which incorporates elements from Karate, Kung Fu, and other disciplines.
He has demonstrated his impressive karate skills in videos and public appearances.
Babu Owino
Aside from his numerous degrees and outspokenness, Embakasi East legislator Babu Owino has always displayed his enthusiasm for martial arts, particularly Taekwondo.
He is said to be a Taekwondo blue belt holder, just three levels below the coveted black belt.
In a recent Taekwondo tournament in Kasarani, Owino showcased his skills and even participated in a sparring competition where he reportedly defeated his instructors.
He has also trained in Karate and often shows off his skills on social media.
Alfred Mutua
In November last year, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Alfred Mutua excited Kenyans after posting videos and photos of himself participating in a martial arts demonstration at the world headquarters of Taekwondo in Seoul, South Korea.
In a tweet, the CS posted photos of himself clad in Karate garb, practicing kicking and punching drills as other karate disciples looked on. In the event, he was awarded an honorary sixth dan black belt.
In 2020, while working as Machakos governor, Mutua revealed that he is an expert in Karate, Judo, and Kung fu.
He disclosed that his martial arts journey began when he was 9 years old and he even visited the US for the first time aged 21 to participate in a Kung fu event.
His first-born son is a black belt holder in Tae Kwon do.
Uhuru Kenyatta
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta isn’t just a political leader; he also has a background in martial arts.
In August 2019, he was awarded the 8th-degree honorary black belt by the Kenyan Tong-II Moo-Doo federation in appreciation of his commitment to the sport.
Tong-Il Moo-Do (TIMD) is a Korean martial art that combines elements from various traditional Korean martial arts, such as Taekwondo and Hapkido. The sport has six levels, the black belt being the highest.
In the event, the former president demonstrated his martial arts skills as he trained with the national team before they left the country.
The videos showcased President Uhuru performing martial arts moves, including straight punches.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o has been practicing martial arts since she was seven years old. She has dabbled in a variety of styles, including tae kwon do, capoeira, and Muay Thai.
In an interview with MTV, Nyong’o said that she was drawn to martial arts for the physical challenge and the sense of empowerment that it gave her. She also said that she appreciated the discipline and focus those martial arts required.
Nyong’o’s martial arts background came in handy when she was preparing for her role as Nakia in the Marvel film Black Panther, where she acted as a war dog and Wakanda spy.
She performed many of her own stunts in the film and was praised for her athleticism and fighting prowess.
