Award-winning Kenyan musician Bien Aimé Baraza has offered a fascinating glimpse into the world of Luhya bullfighting, a deeply rooted cultural sport in Kenya. Speaking on the Mic Cheque podcast, Bien detailed the prize money, the betting culture, and his own involvement in the sport.

Bien revealed his personal connection to the cultural tradition by confirming he owns a fighting bull, currently undergoing training.

“Niko na bull nilikuwa na mbili moja inaitwa Shisundi ni ya black, kwa kiluhya darkness inamaanisha Shisundi na ingine Sauti Sol,” Bien revealed.

He named his current bull ‘Sauti Sol’, after the iconic Kenyan boy band he is a part of. He previously owned another bull named ‘Shisundi’ (a Luhya word for darkness), which has since been sold.

“Shisundi iliuzwa lakini Sauti sol ndio imebaki na ina undergo training,” he confirmed.

According to Bien, bullfighting is primarily rooted in Kakamega County, specifically in areas like Ikolomani and Khayega.

Matches are held frequently every Saturday, while smaller fights happen regularly, the “bigger league fights” usually take place at local markets, attracting huge crowds and heavy betting activity.

“The only place yenye iko na bullfighting ni Ikolomani, Khayega, Kakamega County, every Saturday asubuhi,” he explained.

Bien clarified the financial structure for the bulls’ owners, revealing the surprisingly high stakes involved in a single bout.

Prize Money (Paid to Winner) is Ksh 50,000, Ksh 5,000 is paid out of the winnings to the organising association and Ksh 45,000 is the final amount the bull owner pockets after fees.

“Fight moja ni Ksh 25k [stake for the association, not the winner], bull. Ikishinda unalipwa Ksh 50k then unalipa Ksh5k kwa association alafu unachukua Ksh45k unaenda nayo,” Bien revealed.

He also noted that betting is heavy, with odds placed on various outcomes:

Which bull gets pushed back furthest.

How many times the bulls “lock horns.”

If a bull runs away (“e heap iende kwa wasee”).

Bien mentioned that Senator Boni Khalwale, popularly known as the “Bullfighter,” is the owner of one of the most successful champion bulls in the region.

He also shared a fascinating cultural detail regarding the bulls’ handlers:

“Bulls are trained to fight by children,” he stated, indicating that children within the community often understand how to handle and mould them into strong fighters.

Bien concluded by revealing his long-term ambition to structure and modernise the sport, possibly with an official league that fans could place bets on, similar to football matches.

“Nimekuwa nikifikiria sana kuweka hiyo bullfighting kwa league mnaweza bet because kama unawatch AFC basically unaweza watch bullfighting,” he added.