Ruto honours Benni McCarthy, Harriet Okach for elevating Kenya’s sports profile
They include Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba, Kenya Rugby Union chairperson Harriet Okach, and athletes Lilian Odira, Austin Odhiambo, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi.
President William Ruto honoured several outstanding sports personalities whose contributions have elevated the nation’s profile both on and off the pitch.
The sports individuals were honoured for exceptional performances which brought pride to the country and spearheaded change within their communities.
More To Read
- JKIA–ABC road corridor to get new look as Ruto revives city roadworks
- Ruto honours Kristina Kenyatta, Dorcas Oduor, William Kabogo with EGH awards
- Ruto raises research funding to 2 per cent of GDP in bid to expand digital economy
- Ruto approves renaming of Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium
- How Trump–Ruto health deal fills the void left after USAID exit
- UNAIDS hails Kenya–US health framework as major boost for HIV response
They include Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba, Kenya Rugby Union chairperson Harriet Okach, and athletes Lilian Odira, Austin Odhiambo, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi.
Benni McCarthy – H.S.C. (Civilian Division)
McCarthy was conferred with the Head of State’s Commendation – Civilian Division (H.S.C.), recognising his transformative work with the national men’s football team.
The South African tactician took over the team at a time when the public's faith in the Stars had dwindled following inconsistent performances. His arrival marked a new era.
Under McCarthy’s guidance, Kenya delivered an impressive run at CHAN 2024, topping the tournament’s so-called “Group of Death” unbeaten and restoring national pride. Though they fell to Madagascar in the quarterfinals via penalties, McCarthy’s tactical influence and motivational presence rekindled belief in the team.
Harriet Okach – H.S.C. (Civilian Division)
Okach was also honoured with the Head of State’s Commendation. She made history in June 2025 when she became the first woman to chair the Kenya Rugby Union, stepping into office during a turbulent period and bringing stability, vision, and renewed unity within the rugby fraternity.
Her work in marketing, talent development, partnerships, and global representation, especially through World Rugby’s “Impact Beyond 2025” programme, has been pivotal in elevating Kenyan rugby’s visibility.
She has also been a strong advocate for youth empowerment through rugby, championing community programmes using the sport to fight gender-based violence and support vulnerable girls.
Beldine Odemba – M.B.S.
Odemba was honoured with the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.), in recognition of her exceptional leadership of the national women’s football team.
Odemba famously ended Kenya’s nine-year wait for qualification to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), steering the Starlets to a 4–1 aggregate triumph over Gambia in 2025. Since her appointment in 2023, she has reshaped the team into a disciplined, cohesive, and competitive continental force.
Her influence goes beyond the senior team. Odemba has coached at multiple levels, led Kenya Police Bullets to an unbeaten league title, and played a central role in the national U-20 women’s side. She was also named SJAK Coach of the Month earlier in the year.
Austin Odhiambo – O.G.W.
Harambee Stars midfielder Odhiambo was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W.), not only for his contributions on the pitch but also for his powerful off-pitch advocacy for community sports spaces.
Odhiambo, who starred for the Stars during CHAN 2024, made national headlines when he courageously asked President Ruto to intervene and save the iconic Baba Dogo Grounds, which were under threat of private takeover. The pitch has been a critical training ground for generations of players, including national captain Michael Olunga.
His plea prompted government action to reclaim the land, and the grounds were subsequently renamed Austin Odhiambo Sports Complex, a rare honour for an active athlete. His award celebrates both his footballing talent and his civic leadership.
Lilian Odira – O.G.W.
Middle-distance star Odira earned the Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W.) after a phenomenal year in global athletics.
Odira shattered the 800m championship record at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, clocking 1:54.62 to secure Kenya’s seventh gold medal at the event. She was later promoted from constable to sergeant by the Kenya Prisons Service in recognition of her exemplary performance.
Her rise in 2025 firmly established her as one of the world’s premier 800m athletes, and her national honour celebrates her role in sustaining Kenya’s legacy in middle-distance running.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi – O.G.W.
World and Diamond League 800m champion Wanyonyi was honoured with the Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W.), cementing his status as one of Kenya’s brightest track stars.
Wanyonyi delivered an extraordinary 2025 season, recording four of the year’s six fastest times, including a world-leading 1:41.44 in Monaco and a championship-record 1:41.86 in Tokyo.
The 21-year-old was earlier named World Track Athlete of the Year, just two years after winning the Rising Star award.
His O.G.W. recognition reflects his consistency, dominance, and the hope he inspires for the future of Kenyan athletics.
Top Stories Today
