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The Kenyan boxing fraternity has appealed to authorities for assistance in rehabilitating legendary pugilist Suleiman Bilali
The welfare of renowned Kenyan boxer Suleiman Wanjau Bilali has ignited a wave of concern and appeals to government authorities and sports organisations.
Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) chairman, Reuben Ndolo, has come forward, urging the relevant authorities to address the plight of the boxing legend who has battled alcohol addiction and depression since losing his job in 2012.
“Bilali won and successfully defended two gold medals at the All Africa Games when he reigned as national flyweight boxing champion," wrote Ndolo.
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A prominent figure in Kenya's sporting history, Bilali's journey from the pinnacle of success to grappling with personal demons has struck a chord with the nation.
"I am appealing to government authorities to intervene and improve the welfare of Kenya's legendary Olympian, Bilali, one of Kenya's finest boxers ever," Ndolo implored, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Following his dismissal from the police force in 2012, Bilali's life took a downward spiral.
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The boxer, who had represented his country with honour, found himself battling alcohol addiction and depression, leading to multiple stints in rehabilitation centres.
"Like other athletes who represented the country, boxers too need recognition. Bilali was unfairly dismissed from his police work," Ndolo asserted, calling for greater attention to the welfare of athletes, even after their active careers have ended.
Since 2012, the public has been consistently vocal in demanding that the government and sports bodies extend their support to Bilali.
"This is where the government needs to live up to its bottom-up mantra, and I appeal to CS Ministry of Interior and National Administration Kithure Kindiki and CS for Sports Ababu Namwamba to look into ways to reinstate him," Ndolo concluded, indicating that the issue resonates at the highest levels of government.
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