Meet Samuel, young boxer throwing hard punches from a wheelchair

The young boxer has spent the last 14 years on a wheelchair – in Nakuru's Kivumbini estate.

“That’s a very long time to spend sitting,” he says with a smile, a smile that only tells half the story of his life.

Samuel is an aspiring boxer, and has been throwing punches from his wheelchair – under the tutelage of his coach, former boxer Daniel Owino.

The 21-year-old is paralyzed as a result of what he claims was a botched treatment after he suffered a meningitis attack back in 2008.

“I was born fine, but then suffered a meningitis attack in 2008. I left the hospital alive, but then realised I had lost my ability to walk,” says Samuel who has become a regular face at the Kivumbini boxing club, a notorious ghetto, famous for producing boxing legends.

Sammy, as he is popularly known in the estates, completed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary education (KCSE) in March 2022.

“I box to keep myself fit and healthy, and of course to protect myself,” he says with a smile.

According to his coach Mr. Owino, Kivumbini is a ruthless place, a ghetto known for drugs and crime.

“Sammy is a dedicated person, he works hard in training despite the fact that he is on a wheelchair,” says Daniel.

“I know many people from this estate who are physically challenged, some of them on wheelchairs, but are struggling with drugs, which is very sad. Sammy has chosen a different path, which many youths should pick, and follow,” adds Daniel who was in boxing for 23 years before hanging his gloves to focus on caching.

Sammy dreams of one day representing Kenya in the Paralympic games.

“I want to develop as a para-boxer, and one day represent Kenya in games. I just need support, equipment,” says Sammy who lists his determination as his greatest strength.

“Boxing is a tough sport, it is grueling and very demanding, but Sammy is giving his all, and you can see it in training,” says his coach.

Sammy also does light masonry work, which he does from his wheelchair.

“I cannot just sit down and wait for food, I have to do something,” he says.