Omanyala, Oliech among 220 national heroes honoured as Mashujaa

Sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala, football great Dennis Oliech and rugby legend Humphrey Khayange were among 220 national heroes and heroines honoured during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.

Omanyala is celebrated for his heroics this year that saw him crash the national record and is currently the 8th fastest man of all time in the 100 metres after clocking 9.77 seconds a month ago in Nairobi.

In an interview with People Daily Digital, an elated Omanyala could not hide his joy for being recognised as a shujaa.

“I am humbled and delighted for being identified as a Shujaa. It is a big achievement, and I would want to take this opportunity to thank the government and the people of Kenya for recognizing and appreciating my efforts on the track,” Omanyala said.

Former national football team captain Dennis Oliech is Harambee star’s all-time goalscorer and was honoured for his heroics during his playing days and is regarded as one of the best strikers Kenya has ever produced.

Rugby legend Humphrey Khayange competed in the World Rugby Seven Series before chairing the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) athletes’ Commission. He is currently the executive board member at Kenya Academy of Sports.

Other notable Sports personalities honoured during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations include Olympics marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir, who is remembered for her gold medal for Kenya at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics women’s marathon.

However, missing from the list was Faith Kipyegon who has been in splendid form this season and one of the country’s outstanding performers in athletics this year.

Kipyegon won the country gold in the 1500m at the Tokyo Olympics.

The list containing both active and retired sportsmen and women were awarded at the Wang’uru Stadium in Kirinyaga County.