- President William Ruto recognised the efforts of Kenyans during the Jamhuri Day celebrations
- Among them was record-breaking Kenyan sprinter and Africa's fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala
- The other recipients of presidential awards included Faith Kipyegon and Jacky Vike alias Awinja
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Africa 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala now holds the titles of the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) and the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS).
How did Ruto recognise Omanyala?
President William Ruto awarded him the latter during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations.
The star sprinter with an eye on glory at the 2024 Paris Olympics was conferred with OGW in 2021 by Uhuru Kenyatta to recognise his achievements on the track.
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"[I] was The Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW), now being added Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) on my name. Thank you, Mr. President," tweeted Omanyala in appreciation of the award.
His recognition did not escape the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), who congratulated the sprinter for the achievement. Omanyala, 27, is an inspector in the police service.
"Hats off to you, commander,” read the tweet from the DCI.
The tweet was echoed by the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Livestock Development and first deputy governor of Nairobi county, Jonathan Mueke.
"Congratulations to my friend and 100-meter sprint superstar, Omanyala. Kenya is very proud of you. Thank you for putting us on the short-distance map," shared Mueke.
Which Kenyans did Ruto honour during Jamhuri Day?
Also awarded during the 2023 fete was the recently crowned Athlete of the Year, Faith Kipyegon, who was awarded an Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH). The EGH is the highest civilian award in Kenya.
Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who also clinched the World Athletics Athlete of the Year award alongside Kipyegon at the gala, was awarded an OGW.
So was Mary Moraa, who received an OGW, having been awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC) by President Ruto in 2022 for breaking the 400m record twice that year.
Celebrities Catherine Kamau (Kate Actress) and Jacky Vike (Awinja Nyamwalo) were awarded an MBS for their immense contribution to the arts.
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