Four Harambee Stars players—goalkeeper Bryne Omondi, defender Aboud Omar, forward Ryan Wesley Ogam, and midfielder Alpha Onyango—have been named among 180 individuals proposed for national recognition by the National Heroes Council.
The council has published a provisional list of nominees from across various sectors, who, upon approval, will be declared national heroes during the Mashujaa Day celebrations set for Monday, October 20 at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County.
The list features individuals drawn from a wide range of fields including sports, the fight for liberation, entrepreneurship, human rights, philanthropy, the arts, indigenous knowledge systems, cultural heritage, and traditional practices.
Others recognized come from sectors such as spiritual leadership, research, professionalism, peacebuilding, environmental conservation, and efforts toward national cohesion and integration.
Ryan Wesley Ogam was nominated for his outstanding contribution to the national football team, having scored two decisive goals for Kenya during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi is being honoured for his consistent performances throughout the tournament, which included earning a Man of the Match award in a key match against Morocco.
Alpha Chris Onyango, who plays for Gor Mahia, has also been recognized for his strong showing during CHAN, where he delivered two Man of the Match performances. Aboud Omar, who captained the Kenyan side, has been commended for leading the team to a quarter-final finish at the tournament and for his broader contributions to Kenyan football.
Nicholas Musonye, chairperson of the Local Organising Committee for the 2024 CHAN and the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is also on the proposed list.
A former Secretary General of the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), Musonye played a pivotal role in organizing regional tournaments that helped spotlight Kenyan talent and enhance the country’s football profile across the region.
In women’s football, Junior Starlets U-17 head coach Mildred Cheche has been nominated for her significant role in youth football development. She notably led the Rising Starlets to qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, marking a historic achievement for Kenya in women’s football.
Altogether, 31 individuals from the sports sector are featured on the nomination list. Among them are Kennedy Omwange Ndemo, Clarence Mwakio Ingalwa, Vincent Ongera, Mourice Omondi, Shadrack Andenga, Catherine Mutwa, Clinton Aluvi, Cynthia Chepkirui, Nancy Chepngetich, Eric Sikuku, Rebecca Kerubo, Pauline Sheghu, Linet Sheghu, Linet Ayuko, and Sharon Bitok.
Others include Wandia Lucas, Anne Lichina, Jairus Ongeta, Faith Ogallo, Kennedy Ogada, Fabian Kungu, Parin Simiyu, James Kagambi, Morris Okolla, Abraham Mutala, and Nichodemus Kimathi.