Harambee Stars shine: Football icons lead 31 sports heroes on Mashujaa Day
By Faith Lagat, October 20, 2025Harambee Stars leads the 31 sports heroes to be honoured in Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County.
The National Heroes Council proposed the athletes for national hero status as part of the 180-person list for 2025 on October 20, 2025.
This year’s Mashujaa Day honourees were chosen through a rigorous nationwide nomination and vetting process coordinated by the National Heroes Council in partnership with the Ministry of Interior.
The list drew submissions from county governments, public institutions, civil society, and ordinary citizens, with nominees evaluated on their contributions to Kenya’s unity, progress, and heritage, guided by integrity, impact, and the provisions of the National Heroes Act, 2014, Interior PS Raymond Omollo confirmed.
Football legends from the Harambee Stars were recognised for their historic run to the quarter-finals at the 2024 CHAN tournament, Kenya’s best-ever finish.
Leading the football honourees are Wesley Ogam Rabok, Omar Aboud, Bryne Omondi, Alpha Onyango, and Nicodemus Kimathi Musau, recognised for their scoring, leadership, goalkeeping, midfield performance, and team management, including integration of technology and sports science.
“Omar is being honored for his role in the Kenyan Football Sector and Harambee Stars. He was captain during 2024 CHAN. He led the team to quarter -finals,” read the statement.
“Nicodemus is being honored for his contribution in the Kenyan Football Sector and Harambee Stars. He is the Team Manager and Data Analyst for Harambee Stars. He drove the integration of technology and sports science supporting the teams historic run to the quarter finals for 2024 CHAN.”
Athletics, motorsport, and inclusive sports honourees
Athletics stars honoured include Kennedy Omwange Ndemo for training athletes and supporting sports scholarships, Clinton Aluvi Owatinya, Cynthia Chepkirui, Nancy Chepngetich Makani, and Erick Sikuku for medal-winning performances in continental and international competitions.
“Kennedy is being honoured for his contribution to sports particularly athletics. He has trained athletes and other professionals in the sports ecosystem who have produced sterling performances. Through his philanthropic organization Alidais Group Kenya, he has shaped and nurtured young talented youths and helped them acquire sports scholarships both nationally, regionally and internationally.”
Motorsport trailblazers Pauline Sheghu and Linet Ayuko Osiako were recognised for podium finishes in the World Rally Championships and pioneering women’s participation in motorsport.
Inclusive sports champions Sharon Bitok Jeptarus, Lucas Wandia Wanjiru, Anne Lichina, Jairus Ongeta, Kennedy Ogada, and Fabian Kungu Gathoni were honoured for achievements in Deaflympics, Paralympics, and adaptive sports, promoting inclusion and representation in Kenya’s sports ecosystem.
Combat, team sports, and behind-the-scenes contributors
Combat and martial arts figures Clarence Mwakio Ingalwa, Mourice Omondi Aloo, and Faith Ogallo were recognised for medal-winning performances and coaching contributions.
Team sports honourees included Vincent Ongera Onsomu in rugby, Mildred Omari Cheche in football development, Parin Simiyu in netball, and Abraham Mutala Mukulu in volleyball.
Strength and combat athletes Rebecca Koroso Kerubo and Morris Okolla Alfayo earned recognition for hammer throw and professional boxing achievements.
Behind-the-scenes contributors Nicholas Chumba Musonye, Shadrack Andenga Odinga, Catherine Mutwa Makau, and James Ngarariga Kagambi were honoured for their roles in sports administration, media reporting, coaching, and mountaineering, supporting athlete development and mentoring the next generation.
President William Ruto is leading the official declaration at Ithookwe Stadium. The honours highlight achievements across football, athletics, motorsport, martial arts, team sports, paracycling, and other disciplines, recognising both athletes and key contributors to Kenya’s sporting ecosystem.