Thousands flock to western Kenya for traditional bullfight

It is morning in Kakamega County in western Kenya, and the air is filled with anticipation. 

In one of the homesteads, Shakahola, a hulking bull, is given his daily serving of Napier grass, water, and a secret concoction of traditional herbs that his owner, Josphat Milimo, believes will strengthen him for the battle ahead.

Milimo watches as Shakahola is led into an awaiting truck. 

Supporters jam into the truck alongside the bull and head to a bullfighting arena, with motorcycles trailing behind.

Milimo is on a mission to avenge the loss Shakahola suffered at the hands of another bull named Promise.

"I was cheated out of victory. So, I vowed to get a rematch," he says. 

However, it is easier said than done, as Promise is a seasoned fighter who has never left the bullring without a win.

Songs around the isukuti (traditional drum) and chants fill the air in the arena as thousands of spectators are packed shoulder to shoulder, ready for the showdown. 

It’s time, and the two bulls lock horns. 

Dust fills the air as muscle meets muscle, with the owners of both bulls, with sticks in hand, rally them onwards. 

The battle cries reach a crescendo, then it ends abruptly. 

Promise runs off with dust in his wake.

Supporters surge forward and surround Shakahola in song and dance – he has avenged his owner. 

Milimo shares the rallying call he made to Shakahola before the match.

"I spoke to the bull and told him, 'You are going to face the bull that beat you last time, so I do not want him to beat you today.'"

Supporters travelled long distances to witness Shakahola battle Promise, among them David Muigai Gitau.

"We came from Kiambu County (370 kilometers away) to experience this. I plan to bring my friends so they can see what bullfighting is all about."

Kathleen Anangwe, a Sociology lecturer at the University of Nairobi, says bullfighting is deep-rooted among the Luhya people.

Bullfighting, once a post-harvest celebration, is now a growing sport drawing young people from across Kenya.

"Bullfighting was mostly held to celebrate the harvest, to give thanks while also enjoying the season at the same time."

Anangwe says, while there was definitely a winner, no one necessarily lost.

"Because the loser would say, 'Next time I will get you.' That keeps the spirit going."

As Shakahola returns to his shed victorious, Promise’s owner is likely planning round three of the clash of these bullfighting titans.