As Kenya celebrates Mashujaa Day, a national occasion set aside to honour the country’s heroes, four Harambee Stars players and a key team official are set to be recognised by President William Ruto for their outstanding contributions to football. The 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations will be held at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, where 31 sports personalities will receive various Head of State Commendations.
Among the honorees are Harambee Stars defender Aboud Omar, goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, midfielder Alpha Onyango, striker Ryan Ogam, and team data analyst and manager Nick Kimanthi. The five played pivotal roles during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), where Kenya reached the quarter-final stage for the first time in history.
Captain Aboud Omar led the team with distinction, displaying both solid defensive performances and exceptional leadership that inspired his teammates on and off the pitch. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi was equally impressive, making crucial saves that kept Kenya in contention, including a standout performance against Morocco that earned him the Man of the Match award.
In midfield, Alpha Onyango was instrumental in controlling the tempo of play and was twice named Man of the Match for his tireless work rate and creativity. Striker Ryan Ogam, on the other hand, provided the cutting edge up front, scoring two match-winning goals against Morocco and Zambia to seal Kenya’s place in the knockout stage.
Nick Kimanthi’s contributions behind the scenes were equally vital. As the team’s data analyst and manager, he played a critical role in performance tracking—monitoring key metrics such as distance covered, player load, heart rate, and work ratios. His data-driven insights helped the technical team make informed decisions on player fitness, readiness, and opponent analysis, significantly improving the team’s performance.
The National Heroes Council recognised the five alongside other notable sports personalities, including former CECAFA secretary general Nicholas Musonye and Kenya U17 girls’ coach Mildred Cheche, who led her side to the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
Karate legend Maurice Aloo also made the list for his pioneering role in developing Karate in Kenya and East Africa. His work in launching the East Africa Gojukai Karate Championship and establishing referee and judge training programs has left an enduring legacy in martial arts.
The recognition of these sports figures reflects Kenya’s growing appreciation for athletes and officials who continue to elevate the nation’s sporting profile on the continental and global stage.
