John Gicharu, known fondly as ‘Jonte’, a celebrated boxing icon, instructor, and founder of the Ruaraka Boxing Club (RBC), has passed away at the age of 44. The Kenya Boxing Federation (KBF) announced his death.
According to KBF, Gicharu died on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Dandora Phase Two Hospital while receiving treatment for a short illness.
“The boxing fraternity has lost an icon,” said a KBF spokesperson. “John ‘Jonte’ Gicharu was the best community boxing coach of all time. He was a former amateur who later became a professional boxer and was the Head Coach of Ruaraka Boxing Club until his death.”
After retiring from professional boxing in 2015 with a record of 15 victories (7 KOs), 10 losses, and two draws, Gicharu founded the Ruaraka Boxing Club to develop the skills of young people in the Korogocho slum. His club is credited with producing several notable boxers, including Brian Omondi, Cavel Kusimba, Rohit Muluku, and Chrispine Ochanda.
Gicharu’s main goal was to help young people avoid idleness, drug misuse, and criminal gangs, while also highlighting the value of education. He had chosen not to attend high school after finishing his basic education at Ngunyuma Basic School in 1996, and eventually became a garbage collector.
Gicharu began boxing in 1999 at the Bangladesh Boxing Club in Kariobangi, where he was coached by Ben Addoh. After just three months, he entered the ring and won on points against renowned journalist Muraya Kariuki.
He turned professional in 2005 while training at Palpal Gym in Pumwani Social Hall, and in 2007, he defeated Musa Njue to win the national Featherweight title at Charter Hall, under the instruction of Kevin Mulama.
John ‘Jonte’ Gicharu’s legacy as a boxer and mentor will continue to inspire the young athletes he trained and the community he served.
Reported By Meshack Awino.
