KAKAMEGA, Kenya (AP) — The bullfighting tradition is deeply rooted among the Luhya community in Kenya’s Kakamega County. It started as entertainment and a form of celebration after harvests, and has evolved into a sport that attracts thousands of young people who place bets on the bulls.
On Nov. 29, two bulls were brought to face off in an arena as locals cheered them on.
A newcomer bull named Shakahola faced off against Promise, a longtime favorite who only lost a few matches in over 10 years.
A crowd of spectators dances and sings “Isukuti,” a traditional dance accompanied by a set of three drums, after bull Shakahola won bullfighting match, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A crowd of spectators dances and sings “Isukuti,” a traditional dance accompanied by a set of three drums, after bull Shakahola won bullfighting match, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
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Spectators escort a truck where a bull is loaded, waving their chasing sticks and ululating, on the way to a bullfight in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Spectators escort a truck where a bull is loaded, waving their chasing sticks and ululating, on the way to a bullfight in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
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Spectators attend a bullfighting match, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Spectators attend a bullfighting match, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
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A spectator dances and sings after bull Shakahola won bullfighting match, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A spectator dances and sings after bull Shakahola won bullfighting match, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
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Promise, the bull, runs away after being defeated by Shakahola at a bullfight, in Kakamega, Kenya, on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Promise, the bull, runs away after being defeated by Shakahola at a bullfight, in Kakamega, Kenya, on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
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A crowd of spectators encircles fighting bulls Shakahola and Promise as they lock horns at a bullfight, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A crowd of spectators encircles fighting bulls Shakahola and Promise as they lock horns at a bullfight, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
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A crowd of spectators encircles a fighting bull during a bullfight in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A crowd of spectators encircles a fighting bull during a bullfight in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
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Fighting bulls Shakahola and Promise lock horns at a bullfight, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Fighting bulls Shakahola and Promise lock horns at a bullfight, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
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A crowd of spectators dances and sings after bull Shakahola won bullfighting match, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A crowd of spectators dances and sings after bull Shakahola won bullfighting match, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
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A spectator covered in dust dances after bull Shakahola won bullfighting match, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A spectator covered in dust dances after bull Shakahola won bullfighting match, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
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A crowd of spectators encircles fighting bulls Shakahola and Promise as they lock horns at a bullfight, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A crowd of spectators encircles fighting bulls Shakahola and Promise as they lock horns at a bullfight, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
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A crowd of spectators, holding a dead bird on a pole, dances and sings after bull Shakahola won bullfighting match, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A crowd of spectators, holding a dead bird on a pole, dances and sings after bull Shakahola won bullfighting match, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
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A spectator dances and sings after bull Shakahola won bullfighting match, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A spectator dances and sings after bull Shakahola won bullfighting match, in Kakamega, Kenya, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
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They locked horns and tore up the ground. Dust swirled around them, clouding the view for those close to the action.
In about three minutes, the match was over. It was a win for Shakahola and the crowd erupted in song and dance as Promise ran out of the arena bearing blood marks on his hide.
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