Bullfighting unites Kenya’s Luhya community

In a vibrant display of cultural heritage, thousands gathered at the Solio Grounds in Shinyalu Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya, for a traditional bullfighting tournament that showcased the enduring spirit of the Luhya community. The April 2025 event, featuring 15 competing bulls including Governor Fernandes Barasa's bull Italanyi, was accompanied by traditional Isukuti drumming and dance.

Bullfighting, a centuries-old tradition among the Luhya sub-tribes in Western Kenya, historically marked significant occasions such as funerals and birthdays while promoting peace. Today, it serves as both entertainment and a source of income for successful bull owners. The sport involves two bulls locking horns until one retreats, creating an intense spectacle that strengthens community bonds.

Governor Barasa announced plans to institutionalize quarterly bullfighting events, with the next competition scheduled for August in Khayega. The Kakamega County government has committed to constructing and equipping dedicated bullfighting stadiums in Shinyalu, Butsotso, Malava, and Khayega to address safety concerns and enhance the sport's appeal to tourists.

This initiative represents a significant step toward integrating traditional bullfighting into Kenya's cultural tourism circuit. While the sport has faced challenges regarding spectator and participant safety, the planned infrastructure improvements aim to preserve this cultural practice while making it more accessible to visitors.

The tournament highlighted the Kakamega County government's efforts to revitalize and promote bullfighting as a cultural attraction, demonstrating how traditional practices can be adapted to serve both cultural preservation and economic development in modern Kenya. The event exemplified the resilience and unity of the Luhya people while pointing toward a future where cultural heritage and tourism development can coexist harmoniously.