GACHAU'S LAST DANCE: BODYBUILDER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Kenyan bodybuilder and fitness coach Antony Gachau Njoroge has announced his retirement from competitive bodybuilding after finishing sixth at the Body Fuel Fitness Championship held in Nairobi on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Gachau shared the news in an emotional social media post on Wednesday, October 14, reflecting on a journey that has earned him recognition in Kenya’s fitness scene.

Despite failing to secure a podium finish in his final competition, the bodybuilder said he accepted the judges’ decision and remained proud of the journey that brought him to the stage.

“Every warrior deserves one last dance. I came. I conquered. I left with respect for the process and no excuses for the outcome,” he wrote.

“The judges made their call, and I respect it. Not every ending comes with a victory, but every ending leaves you with a story. My last dance on the bodybuilding stage. What a journey it's been,” he added.

Gachau competed in the Men's Open Heavyweight category at the event held at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, where he finished sixth.

Tanzania's George Mgeni, popularly known as King Cobra, won the heavyweight division before claiming the overall bodybuilding title and the KSh400,000 grand prize. Kenya's Philip Guya finished second, while Iron Shaffi placed fourth.

The heavyweight division offered KSh50,000 to the winner, KSh20,000 for second place and KSh10,000 for third, according to information published by Fit Savanna.

His retirement announcement came against the backdrop of his widely discussed rivalry with fellow fitness influencer Fidphil Castro, popularly known as Fid Phil.

The two had previously faced off in a heavyweight boxing exhibition at the Vurugu 2 event in Nairobi in June 2026, where Gachau suffered a sixth-round technical knockout.

Medics attended to him after the referee stopped the bout, and he was taken to hospital for further treatment following the heavy blows he sustained.

Phil was declared the winner and crowned the Vurugu 2 heavyweight champion. The fight followed months of public disagreements between the two fitness personalities, whose relationship had deteriorated after initially becoming known to each other through Kenya's bodybuilding and fitness content scene.

The October championship was promoted as another face-off between the rivals. The pair even shared a lighthearted moment on stage, appearing together in adult diapers to entertain the audience.

However, Gachau was the only one who participated in the formal bodybuilding competition, with Fid Phil not entering the contest.

Gachau's farewell message prompted mixed reactions from followers, with some congratulating him while others questioned whether he was leaving the sport permanently.

Jesse Backfist Jey praised his efforts, writing, “Good job, champ. Every competition has a podium team and winners.”

Mburu Kelvin also congratulated the bodybuilder, while Ohato Ken Jr. appeared unconvinced that the announcement marked the end of his competitive career, commenting, “It can't be the last.”

Other followers raised questions about his use of performance-enhancing drugs, an issue that has featured prominently in discussions surrounding his fitness journey.

Gachau has previously spoken publicly about using steroids and other performance-enhancing substances, attracting both support for his openness and criticism over the health implications of such practices.

In November 2025, the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya issued a public warning over his discussions and promotion of prescription-only weight-loss medications to his online audience without medical authorisation.

Gachau's journey into bodybuilding began in 2014, when he started training with limited resources. Before building his reputation in the fitness industry, he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Kenya and worked as an academic writer.

His early training years were marked by financial limitations, with his diet relying on everyday foods such as eggs, ugali, rice and sweet potatoes rather than expensive supplements and specialised meal plans.

He later refined his training approach after interacting with experienced bodybuilders, gradually building the physique that helped establish him as a recognisable figure in Kenya's fitness community.

His journey was not without setbacks. In December 2017, he suffered a serious right-arm injury that required emergency surgery and the insertion of two metal plates. He eventually returned to training while recovering from the injury.

Over the years, Gachau also developed a substantial online following through fitness advice, workout content and discussions about the realities of bodybuilding. His profile attracted commercial partnerships, including work with international fitness apparel brand GASP.

His openness about the cost of maintaining his physique has also generated public debate. He previously revealed that his monthly bodybuilding expenses approached KSh200,000, with a significant portion allocated to supplements.

Although his retirement announcement signals a departure from competitive bodybuilding, it does not necessarily mean an end to his involvement in fitness.

In a post-competition interview with Haka Fitness, Gachau indicated that he regarded the event as his final contest but remained open to a possible return if an organiser presented an attractive financial offer.

At 32, Gachau Njoroge has called time on his competitive bodybuilding career. While some may consider his exit early compared to athletes who remain in the sport for years longer, his journey has been marked by consistency, discipline and dedication to his craft.

Although his final contest did not end in victory, Gachau leaves the stage as a best dancer who knows when it is time for the final dance.