Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) won three prestigious medals at the regional Indonesian martial arts and self-defense (Pencak Silat) regional tournament, held at TUM on Saturday 19, October 2024.
The TUM students participated in the senior category.
Derrick Odhiambo, a fourth-year TUM student pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Engineering, won a gold medal in the senior category.
In an exclusive interview with corporate communication office, Odhiambo disclosed that he joined Pencak Silat for physical fitness and self-defense.
“I have dreams to travel to Indonesia to pursue my Master’s Degree in Marine Engineering and also to continue with training for Pencak Silat,’’ Odhiambo said.
Brian Oduor Onyango from Library Information Sciences won Silver Medal while Moses Mugo from Mechanical Engineering won Bronze.
Rukia Runya, the only female student in team who resides at Bombolulu, Mombasa, reiterated that she joined Pencak Silat for self-defense since insecurity is a major challenge where she stays.
“Most of my friends have been attacked by goons and have been robbed of valuables such as phones and pieces of jewellery. With the Penck Silat skills that I have learnt, I am confident that I can defend myself. Men don’t fear me but they respect me,” Rukia said.
In the boys' category 10-11 years, Derrick Lawrence and Ronald Kinyua from Kabati Fly-Over School in Murang’a won Gold and Silver respectively. In the girls category aged 10-11 years, Muthoni Kirati won gold while Joy Wangari won silver.
Etana Nyambura and Tiana Wangeci from Jachridge School won gold and silver in the 7-10 years girls’ category.
In his remarks, the president of the National Federation of Pencak Silat in Kenya Master Cleopas Chalicha urged the youth to take academics seriously.
He disclosed that there are several scholarship opportunities in Indonesia for students to further their education.
“Last year, three students received scholarships from Indonesia. Two are pursuing Bachelor's degrees and one is pursuing a Master's degree,” Master Chanicha said.
Technical University of Mombasa's dean of students Mr Joel Awino, who was the chief guest, urged the youth to give priority to Pencak Silat for self-defense and fitness. He enumerated several advantages associated with sports.
“I have travelled to many countries across the globe because of sports. Last year I went to Canada and South Korea,” Mr Awino said.
Pencak silat is a unique form of martial arts rooted in Malay culture, which stretches across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, the Southern Philippines and Southern Thailand.
In attendance were Pencak Silat Coast region ambassador Mr Ali Abdallah from Dola Maize Millers, Pencak Silat Coast region Chairman Mr Khamisi Juma Mkoka, Ms Salma Ismail from Nyali Constituency Development Fund, Head of Corporate Communications Department Mr Salim Chiro, Senior Technologist Mr Daniel Nyambuoro alias Sultan, and Mr Victor Kambi from the Communication Studies Department.
