Ryan Ogam, Abud Omar Among Harambee Stars Players Set to Be Honored on Mashujaa Day Following CHAN 2024 Success

Four Harambee Stars standouts — Ryan Ogam, Byrne Omondi, Alpha Onyango, and Abud Omar — headline a prestigious list of 31 Kenyan sports heroes set to be honored during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20th at Ithookwe Stadium, Kitui County.

The quartet’s recognition by the National Heroes Council follows their outstanding contribution to Kenya’s historic run during the Pamoja CHAN 2024 tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, where Harambee Stars reached the quarterfinals — their best-ever finish in the competition.

Their performances not only reignited national pride but also symbolized the rebirth of Kenyan football on the continental stage.

Also receiving recognition is Nicodemus Kimanthi Musau, Harambee Stars’ Team Manager and Data Analyst, who spearheaded the integration of sports science and technology into the team’s strategy. His analytical insights were pivotal in refining tactical decisions that propelled Kenya’s strong CHAN 2024 campaign.

Alongside him, Nicholas Musonye, the Chairman of the CHAN 2024 / AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee, will be honored for his long-standing administrative leadership in regional football and his role in successfully coordinating continental tournaments.

The honors list also celebrates a historic moment for women’s football. Mildred Omari Cheche, the Kenya U-17 Women’s National Team Head Coach, is being recognized for leading Kenya to its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance at any level — a groundbreaking achievement for Kenyan women in sports leadership.

The Mashujaa Day honors extend beyond the football pitch, acknowledging excellence across diverse sporting disciplines.

Icons such as Pauline Sheghu, a trailblazer in Kenyan motorsport, and Linet Ayuko Osako, a celebrated rally co-driver, are among those being feted for elevating Kenya’s presence on global racing circuits.

Track and field heroes Clinton Aluv and Chepkirui Chepkemoi are also recognized for their golden victories at the 2024 Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U18 and U20 Championships, while James Ngarangi Egunyabi earns distinction as the first Kenyan citizen to summit Mt. Everest.

Esteemed Sports journalist Shadrack Andenga Odinga also makes the list of the awardees.