Kenyan body building boss promises to revamp once vibrant sport

Wrangles and supremacy battles within Kenyan sports federations have over the years taken blame for freefall performances by national teams that have sometimes even seen leagues and competitions winding up.

This is the fate that befell the former vibrant sport of body building in Kenya, and after years in oblivion, the sport is on a revamp in the country.

"We have identified the areas that need greatest priority and we are going to build on them to increase the fan base," newly elected Kenya Body Building Federation (KBBF), Chris Omedo, said on Thursday. "We will work closely with the outgoing office so that the veterans can help to give us guidance," Omedo said.

Body builders late last year elected youthful office bearers to lead the federation that was long forgotten and will have to start from scratch after wrangling groups tore the former vibrant association down the middle and brought to an end what was one of the most fascinating sports in Kenya.

During its heyday the limelight event focused around the annual Carnivore, which was the penultimate event of the season and whose winner became Kenya's overall champion.

Omedo, who is the 2011 Mr. East Africa Muscle Mania bronze medalist ascended to office with the promise to go back to the days when the sport was vibrant before it went into near oblivion. "We shall revive tournaments that will act as leeway in bringing back the glory of the past," Omedo said.

The new office hit the ground running and has staged events that has also brought on board women body builders.

Kericho attracted over 60 athletes from Kenya and Uganda during which Vincent Mwayi from Uganda took top honors ahead of Samuel Otieno and Rashid Issa from Kenya.

The tournament was a morale booster that saw the event planners organize Nakuru in quick succession, and event which attracted over 50 competitors.

The event also marked the comeback of former three-time Mr. Kenya, Leonard Lihanda, who last won the title in 2005.

Soon after, Paul Mwangale and Drews Omondi represented Kenya at the Muscle Mania competition held in Las Vagas in November 2014, where Mwangale placed third in the light heavyweight category after outshining acclaimed global body builders.

"This is an outstanding performance and an inspiration to all upcoming athletes," Omedo noted and added that that the federation will expand competitions beyond Kenya. Endite