Hundreds of thousands President Ruto spent on fighter bulls from Kakamega's experienced goalkeeper
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 05.12.24. | 08:00
Manga revealed that the proceeds from the sale of the bulls have lifted the living standards of his family
A fighter bull with a history of winning bullfighting contests fetches decent returns in case it is sold for various reasons.
Rarely do owners trade the pride of having a bull for money, especially when their oxen are in their prime or bear the potential of becoming regional champions.
Excessive aggressiveness is considered a key reason for the farmer to cash in his bull, despite it being in good shape and possessing good records on the ring.
Sometimes bulls are sold for specific and special reasons just like Levis Manga has done on three occasions in the last six years.
Manga struggled to resist the urge to sell his bull, christened Ozil, to President William Ruto in 2018, when he was serving as a Deputy President.
Manga, who has been in the bullfighting business for the last 15 years revealed that President Ruto, who was in the company of former Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, paid Ksh. 350,000.
Perhaps after being satisfied with the quality of Ozil, President Ruto bought another bull, named Lumba Kwashe, from Manga in 2021.
Manga, who is commonly known as Kenya One within Kakamega town, disclosed that President Ruto parted with Ksh. 250,000 to get Lumba Kwashe.
"I have realised food profits from the sale of my bulls. Although we rarely sell our bulls, I could not turn down the request to sell my two bulls to our President, when he visited Kakamega as a Deputy President," revealed Manga.
In August, Manga made Ksh. 350,000 after selling his bull to Musingu High School, who were celebrating their second-place finish in the inter-schools national football championships.
He said Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa delivered the cash during the finals held in Kisii, where Highway Secondary School emerged champions following the 3-2 win.
"I have also made some good money during the school games in Kisii as I sold my bull to Musingu School. I used the proceeds to buy a smaller bull," he said.
Manga, who is currently grooming three bulls, meanwhile, opened up on the how an ox is introduced to fighting and why his bulls feed more at night.
He said a bull is introduced to fighting after a year, and takes at least two years to be fully ready for a fight.
Grass, napier grass, and molasses are the feeds served the bull, with Livutswa, a traditional herb, being introduced after three years to boost appetite.
"My bulls feed more at night when there is little disturbance from flies and tsetses. I try to make them comfortable," he said.
Besides being a bullfighting enthusiast, Manga is a goalkeeper, who has turned for several clubs including; West Kenya, Green Commandos, Soy United, Miwani United and APS Seal.
