Kenya is arguably the world’s athletics superpower, thanks to the country’s never-ending pool of talent.
The National Police Service and the Kenya Defense Forces have been credited for spawning many of these talents.
According to The Star, at least four former athletes hold the rank of commissioner of police, which is the 5th highest in the National Police Service.
In this article, WoK takes a look at some of the Kenyan athletes who serve in the National Police Service:
David Rudisha
David Rudisha, who hails from Kilgoris, Rift Valley, holds the rank of Chief Inspector. He works at the traffic department in Ruaraka, Nairobi.
Rudisha is a graduate of the Kenya police training College, Kiganjo. He is an 800-meter world champion, an Olympic champion, and has won countless athletic accolades.
He is also a holder of the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) award, granted to him by former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
Julius Yego
Hailing from Tinderet, Nandi County, Yego is an alumnus of Kapsabet High School. From a common athlete, Yego has made a name for himself as one of the most professional Javelin throwers in the world.
What is surprising and inspiring in his story is that his craft is self-taught, since, according to him, he learned how to throw a javelin via YouTube.
He remains the only African to throw the furthest javelin at the Beijing World Championships.
He also remains the only Kenyan to throw the javelin for over 80 meters in International competitions.
Yego holds the rank of Sergeant, working at the DCI headquarters. When he is not training, you’ll find him engaged in his police work.
Ferdinand Omanyala
Omanyala’s name needs no introduction, and many know him as Africa’s fastest man. Among his countless achievements, he is the Commonwealth Games 100-meter champion.
Omanyala joined the National Police Service in 2021. In 2023, he graduated from the National Police College in Kiganjo, where he was promoted to the rank of inspector.
Recently, Omanyala quashed rumors that he had broken up with his wife Laventa, whom he has been dating for several years. The couple are blessed with one child.
Geoffrey Kamworor
When it comes to world cross-country championships, the name Geoffrey Kamworor is one to reckon with.
It, therefore, comes as no surprise to learn that his nickname in athletic circles is ‘the man of all surfaces — track, cross country, and road races’.
He is the 2015 world 10000-meter silver medalist, a three-time champion in the World Half Marathon, and a New York half marathon winner.
In 2019, Kamworor made headlines as one of 74 police officers who had been recognized for their athletic excellence, being promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Hellen Obiri
Obiri is a member of the Kenya Army – which she joined in 2009 — serving as a senior sergeant at Laikipia Airbase.
Obiri, who hails from Boginchoncho, Kisii County, is one of the most decorated athletes in Kenya, having etched her name in the annals of International athletic history as the undisputed middle-distance champion.
She has won countless gold medals at the World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, and other high-profile track events. In 2020, as recognition for her talent, she was promoted to the rank of senior sergeant.
Mary Moraa
In 2021, Mary Moraa was congratulated by then Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome for her impressive record at the World Championships in Budapest, after clocking 1:56:03 to win a gold medal.
The former Mogonga secondary school student joined the law enforcers in 2021 as a constable before being posted as a member of the Rapid Deployment Unit, which is responsible for responding to emergencies involving public disorder.
However, Kenyans on social media have repeatedly pressed police bosses to promote Mary Moraa, saying that her achievements befit a higher rank than a constable.
Asbel Kiprop
Kiprop is a three-time world 1500-meter champion. He holds the rank of chief inspector.
In 2019, Kiprop, who was the 2008 Beijing Olympics 1500-meter champion, made headlines after threatening to commit suicide after a ban was imposed on him over claims of doping.
He has also been the subject of much controversy, having been banned for four years from participating in track events after doping claims. He completed his ban in 2022.
Aside from winning the 2008 Olympic world title in Beijing, the lanky runner has previously won the Daegu World Championships in Moscow, Russia, and Beijing.
