Tanzania swept all three overall titles at the Body Fuel Championship 2026, with King Cobra winning Overall Bodybuilding and George Kajula taking both physique titles.
Collage: Fit Savanna
Kenya's bodybuilding calendar has been relatively quiet in 2026. Apart from Iron Shaffi's Somali Men's Physique, held in February, the Body Fuel Championship is the only other bodybuilding event to have taken place in Kenya so far this year, and perhaps the last for 2026.
Unlike last year's Mr. 001, which was plagued by issues, the Body Fuel Fitness Championship actually delivered, albeit with a few quirks of its own.
The event took place on October 10 at the Sarit Expo Centre, with Tanzanian competitors dominating several categories.
However, the championship had no women's categories, leaving female bodybuilders without a platform to compete in a division where Kenya has traditionally excelled, thanks to athletes such as The Muldibo and Lucy Ndirangu.
Tanzania swept all three overall titles. George Mgeni, popularly known as King Cobra (@cobra_the_alphabeast_), claimed the Overall Bodybuilding title, and the KSh 400,000 top prize that came with it, in a final showdown between the category winners.
George Kajula, another Tanzanian, secured both the Overall Men's Physique and Overall Classic Physique titles.
King Cobra earned his place in the finals by winning the Heavyweight category, where Philip Guya, one of the most anticipated contenders, finished second.
Body Fuel's prize structure was somewhat unusual by mainstream bodybuilding standards. While the overall winners of the Men's Physique and Classic Physique categories each received KSh 250,000, the Men's Open heavyweight category winners took home just KSh 50,000.
In fact, third-place finishers in both Overall Men's Physique and Overall Classic Physique earned twice as much as the Heavyweight category winner.
Perhaps the most unconventional aspect was the final showdown (Overall Bodybuilding), which, as mentioned before, brought together winners from different categories to compete for a single overall title and the KSh 400,000 grand prize.
Following his victory, King Cobra spoke to Haka Fitness, the team responsible for livestreaming the championship, about his contest preparation, competition weight, and the realities of competitive bodybuilding.
According to Cobra, he began preparing around mid-June, nearly four months before the competition, gradually improving his conditioning until he reached 101 kilograms on show day.
Perhaps more surprising was his response when asked whether the KSh 400,000 prize would cover his preparation expenses. His answer was that it did not even come close.
Cobra explained that preparing for a bodybuilding competition is extremely expensive, especially the dietary requirements. He said he needed at least 300 grams of protein daily to help preserve muscle mass during preparation.
To put that into perspective, 100 grams of boiled lean beef contains approximately 41.9 grams of protein, according to the Kenya Food Composition Tables. Meeting a 300-gram daily protein target exclusively through beef would require roughly 716 grams of cooked meat, equivalent to approximately 955 grams raw, assuming a 25% reduction in weight during cooking.
At a conservative price of KSh 900 per kilogram of boneless beef, that translates to approximately KSh 859 daily, or more than KSh 100,500 over four months, on beef alone!
Of course, bodybuilders obtain protein from various sources, not just beef. Nevertheless, the calculation illustrates how quickly preparation costs can accumulate, even before accounting for other dietary requirements, gym expenses, supplements, and the numerous costs associated with competing.
George Kajula, known on Instagram as @georgemtusafi, completed Tanzania's sweep of the overall titles by winning both Overall Men's Physique and Overall Classic Physique, taking home a total of KSh 500,000.
Ragu Wallace, the man behind Hood Gym and Hood Intensity Training, finished second in Classic Physique and third in Overall Bodybuilding. He also claimed the Welterweight title, with Victor Onyango finishing second.
Reflecting on his performance, Wallace admitted that he had looked sharper the day before the competition and suggested that his final carb-loading strategy or pre-show meals might have affected the physique he presented on stage.
Following their boxing bout in June, which ended with Gachau suffering a knockout defeat to Fid Phil, the two reunited at the Body Fuel Championship, although not quite as bodybuilding rivals.
Gachau, who finished sixth in the Heavyweight category, had billed the event as his last dance with Fid Phil (@fidphil). The championship organisers also leaned into their rivalry, heavily promoting their appearance ahead of the event.
On show day, the pair made an unusual appearance wearing adult diapers and posing for the audience. However, while Gachau competed in the Heavyweight category, Fid Phil did not take part in the competition itself.
Speaking to Haka Fitness after his placing, Gachau suggested that this would be his final bodybuilding competition, although he left the door open for another appearance if the financial incentive was right.
He did not specify how much an organiser would have to offer to bring him back. Nevertheless, the rivalry between the two influencers added an entertaining subplot to the championship.
One of the most awkward moments of the championship came during the announcement of the Men's Open Middleweight results, when MC Mumbua (@mumbua_kenya) mistakenly declared Peter Ochino the winner.
While building suspense around the results, Mumbua announced contestant number 108, Ochino, as the winner instead of number 100, Dexter Marvin. Overcome with excitement, Ochino dropped flat onto his stomach onstage, celebrating and thanking God.
However, roughly a minute into the celebrations, Mumbua interrupted with "Wait, wait, wait..." as she attempted to settle the crowd before correcting the announcement and declaring Dexter Marvin the rightful winner.
Ochino ultimately finished second in Middleweight, although he had better fortunes elsewhere, claiming victory in the Masters Men category.
The table below brings together the results confirmed so far from the Body Fuel Championship 2026. It will be updated as more results become available and the organisers release the official list of winners.
| Category | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | Advertised prizes (KSh: 1st / 2nd / 3rd) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Bodybuilding (Finals) | King Cobra | TBC | Ragu Wallace | 400,000 / 300,000 / 200,000 |
| Overall Classic Physique | George Kajula | Ragu Wallace | Dennis "Junior" Litali | 250,000 / 150,000 / 100,000 |
| Overall Men's Physique | George Kajula | TBC | TBC | 250,000 / 150,000 / 100,000 |
| Heavyweight | King Cobra | Philip Guya | Tag 250 | 50,000 / 20,000 / 10,000 |
| Light Heavyweight | Dennis "Junior" Litali | Tag 121 | Simba (@fitbysimba) | 50,000 / 20,000 / 10,000 |
| Middleweight | Dexter Marvin | Peter Ochino | TBC | 50,000 / 20,000 / 10,000 |
| Welterweight | Ragu Wallace | Victor Onyango | TBC | Not listed on poster |
| Lightweight | TBC | Maube Tobias | TBC | 50,000 / 20,000 / 10,000 |
| Bantamweight | TBC | Otuoma Junior Chui (@fitbychui) | TBC | 50,000 / 20,000 / 10,000 |
| Men's Physique Class A | TBC | TBC | TBC | 30,000 / 20,000 / 10,000 |
| Men's Physique Class B | TBC | TBC | TBC | 30,000 / 20,000 / 10,000 |
| Men's Physique Class C | TBC | TBC | TBC | 30,000 / 20,000 / 10,000 |
| Masters Men | Peter Ochino | TBC | TBC | 60,000 / 30,000 / 20,000 |
Additional Heavyweight placings: Iron Shaffi finished fourth, while Gachau placed sixth.
Alpha Wes competed in Men's Physique Class C but did not finish in the top three, which was required to qualify for the Overall Men's Physique competition.
Note: TBC indicates results that are yet to be confirmed. This table is provisional and will be updated as additional verified results become available.
Since early June, the Body Fuel Championship organisers had heavily promoted the expected appearance of Brandon Hendrickson, a three-time Men’s Physique Olympia champion. However, when show day arrived, the American bodybuilder was nowhere to be seen.
No explanation was provided during the event, nor had the organisers publicly addressed his absence on their social media channels at the time of writing. Fit Savanna has contacted Mike Elite, one of the organisers, seeking clarification on why Hendrickson did not attend.
Nevertheless, the championship featured other notable international personalities. Renowned fitness influencer Ulisses Jr. (@ulissesworld) attended the event courtesy of Mustapha Chibole, popularly known as Kenya Muscle (@kenya_muscle). Head judges Samir Bannout and Nabil Athman were also present.
As things stand, no further bodybuilding competitions have been confirmed in Kenya for the remainder of 2026. There had been speculation about a possible return of Mr. 001, but the organisers have neither confirmed nor publicly acknowledged plans for another edition.
Given the complaints surrounding the 2025 event, the uncertainty may not come as a surprise, although no official explanation has been provided. With the year drawing to a close, attention may now shift to 2027, while Kenyan athletes seeking competitive opportunities can explore regional and international events.
Fit Savanna will continue tracking upcoming competitions through its dedicated bodybuilding events directory, where new events will be added as they are confirmed.
Meanwhile, two prominent Kenyan bodybuilders, Joe Kabugi, popularly known as Joe Ripper (@joeripper03), and Wesonga, better known as Alpha Wes (@alpha_wes_), are preparing to compete internationally in approximately seven weeks, with both hoping to earn their IFBB Pro cards.
Alpha Wes also competed at Body Fuel in Men's Physique Class C but failed to finish in the top three, missing out on qualification for the Overall Men's Physique competition.
Ripper, who has dominated Kenya's Men's Physique scene in recent years, particularly in 2024 and 2025, opted to skip Body Fuel, partly because of earlier poster controversy and to focus on his pursuit of a pro card.
More Kenyan athletes earning IFBB Pro cards could help raise the country's profile in international bodybuilding and potentially stimulate interest in the local competitive scene. However, organisational challenges remain a concern, with Kenya still lacking a consistent calendar of major competitions and an established pathway to hosting IFBB Pro-qualifying events.
Editor's Note: Results remain provisional. This article will be updated as additional results are confirmed and if the organisers respond about Brandon Hendrickson's absence.
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