Hunk city student in quest to be Mr World
Mr Kevin Oduor Owiti, 21, Kenya’s representative to the Mr World pageant, knows that a man, too, has beauty and a purpose.
Mr Owiti is in Southport, the United Kingdom, contesting in a pageant that seeks “the world’s most desirable man”.
Standing at 5’ 9”, the third year Business Management and Economics student at the Catholic University in Nairobi is confident he is that man.
“I am humbled to be representing my country at the world finals and I hope to bring the crown home,” said Mr Owiti, who has made a small fortune from starring in commercials.
“Since I took the national title, I have been preparing myself physically and mentally with the help of some mentors, who have helped me to become a better version of myself.”
PRAYING AND FASTING
The staunch Christian says he has also been praying and fasting for the title.
Crowned alongside Miss World Kenya in Malindi, Kilifi County, last December, Mr Owiti is the first Mr Kenya in almost a decade.
The office of Mr World Kenya has been vacant since Mr Victor Mugambi was crowned in 2007. Without an immediate predecessor, Mr Owiti finds himself having to define the role that many assume is about being fashionable and showing off muscles.
Far from it, he says. The pageant is looking for an all-rounded person with good looks, physical strength, charisma, charm and a strong personality.
The winners in five events: — fashion and style, the extreme physical challenge, multi-media award, the sports challenge and the talent competition — earn a slot in the top 10 while the other positions are decided by a panel of judges.
With the high-octane buoyancy of the young, what Mr Owiti is most certain of is his talent. Speaking with a certain wisdom and rhythm of a seasoned poet, his face lights up with a boyish smile, revealing an impossibly perfect set of teeth.
WARM GAZE
He holds a steady, level and interested warm gaze and speaks with a confidence that is equally self-effacing.
“I don’t know if I will sing or present a spoken word piece, but whichever I choose, I’m sure to blow away the judges,” he said.
This talent is what earned Mr Siaya County the national title. Making the transition from modelling to pageantry, he has had to put his studies on hold.
“I’m giving all my attention to this title and take it as far as I can go,” said the model, who plans to use the title as a platform to campaign for the boy-child.
Modelling is an aggressive and competitive business but he believes that there is room for more men.