Written by Lisa Murimi
A storm of condemnation is brewing over Kakamega County’s plan to launch a Bullfighting Premier League in 2026, with global animal rights group PETA calling the move “a step backwards for compassion.”
In a powerful statement, Jason Baker, Senior Vice President of PETA Asia, urged the county to abandon the plan, warning it will tarnish Kenya’s image as a wildlife-friendly nation.
“Bullfighting is an antiquated spectacle from a time when humans had far less understanding of animals and their needs. Bullfighting is not culture, it’s cruelty,” Baker wrote.
“Yet Kakamega County in Kenya is set to launch a bullfighting league in 2026. This is a terrible idea. And it’s not just bad news for animals, it’s bad for the people of Kakamega and the nation’s reputation,” the animal rights defender continued.
According to PETA, the spectacle masks suffering with celebration. Bulls—peaceful, intelligent creatures—are provoked into violence, stripped of choice, and forced into public agony for entertainment.
“Bulls are complex animals with unique personalities who form sophisticated social bonds. They are peaceful and social by nature. They don’t want to participate in “bullfighting,” a misleading term, since the bulls aren’t truly “fighting” but are provoked into aggression,” he said.
Governor Ferdinand Barasa, however, defended the league, which is expected to feature bulls from all 12 sub-counties, with a top prize of Ksh200,000.
“For decades, bullfighting has been part of our identity as the Luhya people. It brings families and communities together and symbolises strength, honour, and celebration,” Governor Barasa said during the official announcement of the league.
But critics argue that tradition should not come at the cost of cruelty.
As construction for the 2026 league begins, a battle is emerging—not in the ring, but between two visions of culture: one rooted in the past, the other in empathy.
The world is watching to see which Kenya chooses.
