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Kenya’s boxing legend Philip Waruinge was on Friday laid to rest at his Lare home, Njoro, Nakuru County.

The curtains fell on the decorated pugilist who will be remembered for his contribution to the boxing game in the country.

Despite being inducted into the Hall of Fame for the honour of the country, no official from the Ministry of Sports attended his burial.

Former international boxers, led by Stephen Muchoki, George Findo, Francis Mbagara, Sammy Mbugua, Peter Odhiambo, Dick Gichoya, Philip Mainge and Mwangi Muthee called on the government to remember the legend by immortalising his name in the sporting arena.

Retired referee Joseph Muthoga alias Don King in his tribute said Waruinge deserved recognition and urged Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika to honour the fallen boxer.

Hero par excellence

At the same time, Francis Mbagara, who boxed with Waruinge, described him as a hero par excellence saying his contribution to the boxing field will always be remembered.

On his part, Sammy Mbugua described his brother as his tutor who mentored and encouraged him to take up boxing saying his death is a blow to all boxers who looked up to him.

Odhiambo, who won bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Canada, in 1994 and gold at the 1995 All African Games in Harare, said it was sad Waruinge died a poor man and was neglected by the state.

Bahati MP Irene Njoki’s tribute read by her constituency office manager Collins Oduor said that she has proposed that Kenyatta Lane, which passes outside the popular Madison Square Garden where Waruinge started his boxing career in the 1960s, to be renamed to Waruinge Street.

“I will have a conversation with Governor Kihika. I will strongly recommend to the Governor to ensure we have a street named after Waruinge for posterity. Waruinge was a hero who made this country proud by flying our national flag high in international boxing competitions,” said Njoki.

She added: “Waruinge made sure Kenya’s name remained respected in the boxing map of the world for decades.”

Waruinge is survived by his wife, Nancy, his four children, 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.