Harambee Stars quartet among 31 sports personalities nominated as national heroes
The quartet were recommended for national honours for their contributions to Kenyan football, particularly their standout performances at the recently concluded CHAN 2024 tournament.
Harambee Stars players Wesley Ogam, Aboud Omar, Bryne Omondi and Alpha Onyango are among 31 Kenyan athletes and sports figures recommended by the National Heroes Council to be declared national heroes for their contributions to Kenyan sports.
The quartet were recommended for national honours for their contributions to Kenyan football, particularly their standout performances at the recently concluded CHAN 2024 tournament.
Ogam ended the tournament as Kenya's top scorer with four goals, while Omar captained the side to their first-ever quarterfinals in their maiden tournament. Goalkeeper Omondi played a vital role in Kenya's run to the last eight, delivering commanding performances in goal and securing three clean sheets for the team in five games.
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Onyango, on the other hand, was named man of the match in Kenya's opener against Morocco and in the Stars' quarterfinal tie against Madagascar, which the island nation eventually won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Harambee Stars data analyst Nick Kimathi was also nominated for his role in analysing player performance data to guide tactical decisions, optimise fitness and enhance Harambee Stars' overall performance.
"Nicodemus is being honoured 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 team's historic run to the quarter finals for 2024 CHAN," the Council's document reads.
In athletics, Kennedy Omwange was nominated for training athletes who have delivered outstanding performances in track events.
Clinton Aluvi, Cynthia Chepkirui, and Nancy Chepngetich were also proposed for honours after winning gold and bronze medals at the 2025 Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18 and U-20 tournaments held in Nigeria.
Sharon Bitok and Lucas Wandia were included for their contributions to Deaflympics track events, while Anne Lichina was recognised for her work as a sign language interpreter in deaf sports.
Clarence Mwakio was nominated for advancing the Korean martial art Tong-IL Moo Doo in Kenya and representing the country internationally, while Vincent Ongera was honoured for his contributions to Kenyan rugby over two decades.
Other nominees include Nichola Chumba (football development in East and Central Africa), Maurice Aloo (karate), Shadrack Andebga (media reporting), Catherine Mutua (judo), and Mildred Omari (female football development).
Eric Sikuku (race walking), Rebecca Koroso (hammer throw), Pauline Sheghu (motorsport), Linet Ayuka (motorsport), Jairus Ongeta (Paralympics), Faith Ogallo (taekwondo), Kennedy Ogada (paracycling), and Fabian Kungu, Ogada's guide, were also included.
Additional nominees include Parin Simiyu (netball), James Ngararariga, the first Kenyan to summit Mount Everest, professional heavyweight boxer Morris Okello Alfayo, and volleyball coach Abraham Mutula.
The nominees are among a larger group of 180 Kenyans who have been nominated for national honours.
According to the Council, members of the public who believe that any of the proposed nominees should not be honoured are invited to submit objections in writing through sworn affidavits within 14 days of the notice's publication, which falls on September 30.
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