Omanyala, Yego honoured as police athletes shine on world stage
By Aloys Michael, July 2, 2025In a vibrant celebration of excellence and national pride, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, hosted some of Kenya’s top athletes and sports officials at his Jogoo House office, recognising their brilliant performance in recent national and international events.
The event saw the presentation of an impressive haul of trophies won by National Police Service (NPS) athletes, including accolades from the 2025 Athletics Kenya National Championships.
Among the sports stars in attendance were global sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala, Olympic javelin medallist Julius Yego, and sprint queen Millicent Ndoro.
“You continue to fly the National Police Service flag high and bring honour not just to the Service but to the entire nation. Your discipline, excellence, and patriotism are evident both on and off the track,” Kanja told the athletes.
The IG lauded the athletes’ efforts in boosting the image of the police service.
“Through your achievements, you are building trust and breaking barriers between the Service and the public. Sport is a powerful unifier, and you embody that spirit perfectly,” he said.
Kanja used the occasion to reaffirm the NPS’s commitment to sports development, pledging continued support for athletes at all levels.
“We are committed to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive, and highly motivated sporting fraternity. This will ensure that our athletes thrive, not just in Kenya, but globally,” he asserted.
In addition to honouring athletic excellence, the day marked a major transition within the NPS sports leadership. Outgoing Local Organising Committee Chairperson, Stephen Etyang, handed over the reins after an illustrious 36-year career in service. Francis Ndiema, SAIG and Director of Personnel at DCI, was named as the acting chairperson.
Congratulating Etyang on his retirement, IG Kanja said, “You have left a mark of excellence and commitment. Your leadership has elevated the profile of NPS sports. We wish you the very best in your next chapter.”
Also present at the colourful event were senior police officials including Mathew Kutoh (Principal Assistant to the IG), Philip Opiyo (Director of Training) John Kamau (Director of Reforms), Ramadhan Omar (APS Director of Sports), Isaac Sang (In-Charge of Sports – KPS), and Dorothy Migarusha (Deputy Director of Corporate Communications), among others.
The occasion underscored the role of sports in community engagement, service morale, and national identity. As the athletes posed proudly with their trophies, the message was clear: the NPS is not just enforcing law—it’s building champions.
“Let this just be the beginning. We expect even greater heights in the years to come. You make us proud—keep going!” Kanja urged.