A Kisumu-based boxer, Jacob "Jack Spoiler" Oyoko, has died following a ringside incident during a professional bout held at the Mumias Cultural Centre in Kakamega County on Saturday, organized by former Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rashid Echesa.
The Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) confirmed the tragedy on Sunday, stating that Oyoko passed away despite receiving immediate medical attention.
“All relevant authorities have been notified, including the Kenya Police, the Ministry of Sports, Sports Kenya, and the County Health Department,” KPBC said in a statement.
A video circulating on social media shows Oyoko visibly dropping his guard during the closing exchanges, appearing unable to continue, while his opponent, Julius Okuruchi, continued to land a series of head shots. The footage raises concerns over whether the fight should have been stopped earlier.
According to KPBC, emergency protocols were activated promptly. Ringside medics administered oxygen support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before Oyoko was rushed to hospital, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Although KPBC is unclear whether it had formally commissioned the Rashid Echesa-sponsored Mumias Cultural Event under its statutory mandate, it has now announced the formation of an independent review committee comprising medical experts, legal practitioners, and senior boxing officials to investigate the circumstances surrounding Oyoko’s death.
The inquiry will examine several aspects, including pre-fight medical screening, weight management, hydration levels, ringside medical preparedness, and referee decisions.
KPBC is also calling for a review of existing safety protocols, including stricter medical checks and enhanced enforcement of boxing regulations, to prevent similar incidents in the future—raising the question of whether these steps are genuine safety measures or merely public relations gestures designed to avoid blame.
