Edwin Okong’o, the boxing star who ended a 17-year gold medal drought for Kenya, has been honoured in a uniquely Kenyan way — through eye-catching graffiti on the back of a Toyota Probox.
Edwin Okong’o, a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) boxer and gold medallist at the 2023 African Games, has become the latest hero to be immortalised through matatu-style vehicle art — a popular form of street celebration and pop culture expression in Kenya.
The graffiti, spotted on the rear window of a Probox navigating the bustling roads of Nairobi, features an action shot of Okong’o mid-fight — a nod to his famous IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships middleweight (71-75kg) fight against Kazimzade Mirsharif of Azerbaijan in 2023.
The colourful tribute is more than just decoration — it’s a testament to Okong’o’s rise from a disciplined KDF corporal to a national icon.
The KDF boxer is famous for the middleweight (75kg) victory in Accra, Ghana, that saw him break Kenya’s boxing gold drought since Suleiman Bilali’s 2007 win.
His commanding performance at the Games earned him not only the admiration of fans but also a promotion to sergeant and a Certificate of Commander’s Commendation from the Kenya Air Force Commander, Major General John Omenda.
In true matatu culture — where graffiti art showcases everything from political figures and musicians to spiritual messages and sporting heroes — Okong’o’s image now rides alongside Nairobi’s iconic traffic, celebrated by fans and commuters alike.
“To see my image out there like that, among the people — it means the world,” Okong’o said when shown the viral image of the Probox.
“This is the real heartbeat of Kenya. It reminds me who I’m fighting for.”
The Kenya Air Force boxer, who also bagged bronze at the African Military Games and holds the Inter-cities Boxing Challenge title, has become a symbol of inspiration among youth and servicemen alike.
As matatus and private vehicles across the country increasingly become moving galleries of national pride, Edwin Okong’o’s legacy is proving to be more than just a headline in sports — it’s now etched into the everyday fabric of Kenyan street culture.
And in a country where graffiti speaks louder than billboards, the message is clear: Kenya has a new boxing legend, and his name is riding high.
