Profile of Mbavu Destroyer and Majembe, Amateur Boxers Fighting for Millions

Mbavu Destroyer and Majembe are set to fight on April 4 in a boxing match that has drawn attention from across the country.

The fight has attracted wide interest after President William Ruto stepped in and pledged KSh1 million to each boxer, along with paying for 2,000 match tickets, bringing his total support to KSh4 million.

Majembe (Portifas Odipo)

Majembe, whose real name is Portifas Odipo, is 21 years old. He was born in 2005 and is one of the youngest boxers to gain attention through social media in Kenya.

Majembe grew up in Manyatta, Kisumu County, as the firstborn in his family, which meant he had responsibilities from a young age. He helped at home while balancing school and sports. Growing up in the area exposed him to street life, but it also taught him discipline, something he says has helped him in boxing.

Before boxing, Majembe played football for Manyatta United. Later, he switched to boxing, where his height, balance, and footwork helped him perform well.

Unlike many street fighters, Majembe is known for being calm and technical, meaning he thinks before he punches and defends himself well. He became popular after clips of his fights circulated online. One of his most talked‑about victories was a knockout win against Alfayo Siwo.

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The fight against Mbavu Destroyer on April 4 is the biggest of his career so far. Majembe has even said that if he loses, he might quit boxing, adding pressure on him.

Majembe went to Manyatta Primary School and later joined Obambo St. Marks Secondary School, where he studied up to Form Two. He then moved to St. Ignatius Loyola Magadi Secondary School but did not complete Form Four due to financial difficulties and the need to focus on training and survival.

Majembe was raised mainly by his mother, who sold fish to support the family. He is close to his siblings and has said that some of them also enjoy combat sports. As the eldest child, he feels responsible for helping his family succeed.

 Mbavu Destroyer (Ferdinand Omondi)

Mbavu Destroyer’s real name is Ferdinand Omondi. He is 25 years old, making him older and more experienced in life than Majembe.

Mbavu was born in Migori County and raised by a single mother. He later moved to Eastlands, Nairobi, and grew up in Dandora and Mbotela. Mbavu says these areas are known for hardship and tough living, which have influenced his rough, aggressive boxing style.

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Mbavu started as a street fighter and, before becoming popular, worked as a security guard, earning about KSh 10,000 a month, which he used to help his family.

He trained using homemade methods, lifting stones and building blocks, which caught people’s attention online. His videos went viral on TikTok, and as his fame grew, he finally got access to proper gyms and professional trainers.

His fight against Majembe is the biggest opportunity of his boxing life so far, especially after President William Ruto publicly supported the fight, which has increased both the prize money and public interest.

Mbavu Destroyer finished primary school and later attended Makongeni Secondary School, where he sat for his KCSE exams in 2020. After that, he enrolled in an Agricultural Engineering course but left to focus fully on boxing.

Destroyer was raised by his mother alone and has often said his main goal is to change her life, including building her a house if boxing works out for him.