Four Harambee Stars players will be among the distinguished Kenyans recognized as national heroes during the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20 at Ithookwe Stadium, Kitui County. The players — Ryan Ogam, Byrne Omondi, Alpha Onyango, and Abud Omar have been included in the National Heroes Council’s list of 31 sports personalities to be feted for their exemplary contribution to Kenyan football.
Their recognition comes on the back of Kenya’s remarkable performance at the 2024 Pamoja CHAN tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Harambee Stars reached the quarterfinals — their best-ever finish in the competition — rekindling hope and national pride in Kenyan football. Their impressive teamwork and resilience were hailed as a sign of the sport’s revival in the country, inspiring a new generation of young footballers.
Also set to be honored is Nicodemus Kimanthi Musau, the Harambee Stars Team Manager and Lead Data Analyst, who played a pivotal role in modernizing the team’s tactical approach through sports science and data-driven analysis. His work was instrumental in helping the technical bench make informed decisions during Kenya’s CHAN 2024 campaign.
Nicholas Musonye, Chairman of the CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee, will be recognized for his long-standing administrative leadership and contribution to regional football development. His effective coordination and management ensured the successful hosting of continental tournaments, further enhancing Kenya’s reputation as a capable footballing nation.
Women’s football will also be celebrated during the national ceremony. Mildred Omari Cheche, the Head Coach of Kenya’s U-17 Women’s National Team, will be honored for guiding her side to a historic milestone — qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, marking Kenya’s first-ever appearance at any World Cup level. Her achievement is being hailed as a defining moment for women’s sports leadership in Kenya.
The honors extend beyond football, with other sporting heroes set to be celebrated for their achievements in motorsport, athletics, and mountaineering. Motorsport pioneers Pauline Sheghu and Linet Ayuko Osako are recognized for their groundbreaking success in rallying, while athletes Clinton Aluv and Chepkirui Chepkemoi are lauded for winning gold medals at the 2024 Confederation of African Athletics U18 and U20 Championships.
James Ngarangi Egunyabi, who became the first Kenyan citizen to summit Mt. Everest, and veteran sports journalist Shadrack Andenga Odinga are also among those to be honored for their contributions to Kenya’s sporting excellence
