Farmers owning bullfighting bulls in Ikolomani constituency, Kakamega County have asked the national and County Government to support the sport that is growing in the region. Speaking to West Media at Malinya, after a bullfighting match, Mr. Hadson Angalwa who owns a good number of bulls in the region says farmers in the sector haven’t received the support they need from the government of the day.
“The government needs to promote tourism in this sector so as to aid our course,” Angalwa, whose toughest bull has been named ‘three face’ says.
He says despite the three years he has been in the rarely exploited industry, he feels if the industry is supported, it has great potential.
“The bull has fought for more than 3 years now against more than 10 bulls and it has been the performing well in all the events, something the government should take advantage of,” said Mr. Angalwa.
They also suggested to the ministry of Sports to come up with a bull fighting league similar to the ones in football and other sports as a way of promoting them.
”Why can’t the government sponsor a bullfighting tournament to cover all the Counties and regions where bullfighting has thrived over the years?” Mr. Geoffrey Matioli who owns two bulls dubbed ‘Messi’ and ‘Suarez’ reiterates.
The farmers also showed their patriotism to the sport by refuting claims they would willingly quit the animals for dairy cows and at the same time rubbishing beliefs that relate their sport to bhang and other drug consumption.
“Ours are just normal bulls that are treated by special herbalists. Three days before facing the ring they are fed by herbal doctors using herbal medicines that are added to their feeds to further anticipate the bull,” another Mr. Erick Shimoli who owns two bulls says.
Those we talked to also state that some communities have a caustic solution which is rubbed onto the animal’s legs to throw him off balance.
The sport begins with Isukuti dancers drumming and the tune is special.
“The bull wants to take those risks so that he can demonstrate his courage and the fans honour that ultimate risk-taking.”
“Rugby, boxing, acrobatics inherent risks to humans but they are not banned therefore bullfighting should be included as a sporting event too,” he quipped.
Mr. Hadson says it forms a vibrant part of the tourist industry and many tourists feel that bullfighting is necessary for their holiday forays.
Despite all these challenges encountered, these farmers are grateful to Dr. Bonny Khalwale, Kakamega County’s Senator for supporting bullfighting by organizing events and tournaments that bring together bulls and bull owners plus fans from all over the County.
”Our senator has always been on record supporting us, a good example being the establishment of Malinya Stadium, which is used for various purposes, amongst them bull fighting,” Mr. Matioli concludes.
Malinya Stadium was built by Dr. Khalwale, who was by then the area Member of Parliament.