Mvurya applauds Angella Okutoyi for stealing the show at the 2026 ITF W35
By Joel Masibo, January 5, 2026Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has hailed Kenyan tennis star Angella Okutoyi for delivering a standout performance in Nairobi, clinching both the singles and doubles crowns at the 2026 ITF W35 tournament on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Taking to X on Monday, January 5, 2026, Mvurya praised Okutoyi for inspiring the country’s tennis fraternity and flying Kenya’s flag high at the competition held at the Parklands Sports Club.
Mvurya’s message
”Heko Angella! You have etched your name into Kenya’s sporting history with a magnificent Singles and Doubles double victory at the ITF W35 Nairobi Tour. Your performance captured hearts, inspired many, and filled Kenyans with immense pride, announcing Kenya’s growing talent and presence on the global tennis stage,” Mvurya wrote.
Angella showcased tennis of the highest calibre in the Singles, battling to a hard-fought 2–1 victory (6–3, 3–6, 6–3) against Italy’s Martina Colmegna, and overcame Alyssa Reguer (France) and Yufei Ren (China) in the doubles to seal a historic back-to-back triumph on home soil, an emphatic statement of resilience, maturity, and competitive excellence. ”Once again, congratulations for inspiring the tennis fraternity, believing in yourself, and showing the world what Kenyan tennis can achieve,” Mvurya added.
Ruto hails Okutoyi
On Sunday, January 4, 2026, President William Ruto also praised Okutoyi for inspiring young athletes and flying Kenya’s flag high at the tournament. ”Congratulations Angella Okutoyi for the outstanding performance and well-earned victory at the International Tennis Federation Women’s World Tour. Your determination and talent carried you through tough competition to become the champion. You have flown Kenya’s flag high and inspired young athletes. We are proud of you. Well done.” Ruto said.
Despite entering the final ranked more than 100 places below Colmegna on the WTA standings, the Kenyan showed remarkable composure from the outset. She stormed into a 3–0 lead and comfortably closed out the opening set at 6–3, relying on solid service games and aggressive baseline play.
Colmegna, however, responded strongly in the second set. The 29-year-old Italian raised her level, dictating play and forcing a deciding set after taking the frame 6–3.
In the final stretch, Okutoyi rediscovered her rhythm. After an early exchange of breaks, the African Games champion pulled away, winning the decisive set 6–3 to secure her first W35 title in Nairobi, redemption after finishing runner-up in the 2025 final.