Athletics Kenya faced backlash from athletes over the decision to select only one representative for each category in the upcoming 2023 African Games. The athletes expressed their frustration, feeling that the governing body’s approach was unfair after expending significant resources to participate in the trials. Led by Mary Moraa, the athletes objected to the decision, arguing that it did not recognize their efforts and investments.

In response to the athletes’ concerns, Athletics Kenya announced that the number of athletes chosen to represent the country would be increased. This decision came after a consultative meeting with the Ministry of Sports. However, it was emphasized that only athletes meeting the qualifications and criteria would be selected.

Former world champion Julius Yego highlighted that the athletes felt marginalized during the decision-making process, expressing disappointment over the lack of respect and support for Kenyan runners. The athletes voiced their grievances, noting the challenges they faced, including inadequate training facilities. Notably, world champion Mary Moraa achieved a time of 51.47 seconds in the 400m, and David Sanayiek secured a win in the men’s 400m semis.

The remaining athletes were set to compete to secure spots to represent the country at the upcoming continental event.

Ferdinand Omanyala has set a new national record of 6.52s at the Elite Indoor Track Miramas Meeting, surpassing his previous record. He will now focus on the World Indoor Games in Glasgow, Scotland from March 1 to March 3.

At the meeting, he also set a new personal best and a meeting record, with Liberia’s Emmanuel Matadi and Great Britain’s Jeremiah Azu finishing in second and third place, respectively. After the successful title defense, Omanyala’s coach Geoffrey Kimani expressed appreciation for the support and announced plans to prepare for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24.

Omanyala is expected to participate in the World Indoor Games and represent Kenya in the upcoming 2024 World Athletics relays championship in Nassau, Bahamas in May. Omanyala, a graduate of Friends School Kamusinga, has participated in several events organized by Athletics Kenya, testing his speed in the 200m race at the third track and field meet and his endurance in the 400m race at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

With a change of coach late last year, Omanyala is preparing for upcoming competitions and championships.

Kenyan sprinter Mark Otieno Odhiambo recently made his comeback to the track after serving a two-year doping ban. Otieno participated in his first competitive race at the third Athletics Kenya track and field meet held at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. He won his heat in 10:41 seconds and further improved his time to 10:33 seconds in the semifinals.

Reflecting on Ferdinand Omanyala’s successful career, Otieno shared that Omanyala has inspired him by demonstrating that it is possible to achieve great success in athletics. Otieno expressed his admiration for Omanyala’s achievements and credited him for providing inspiration to athletes striving for similar goals.

Regarding the challenges he faced during the race after a prolonged period of inactivity due to his suspension, Otieno mentioned that many individuals have now embraced discipline and there is a strong desire among athletes to achieve the level of success attained by Omanyala. Otieno emphasized the opportunities present for emerging talents in the sport.

Otieno was suspended just before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after testing positive for anabolic steroid methasterone. Despite this setback, he is determined to put his career back on track and has found motivation in Omanyala’s achievements.