Athletics

Omanyala, Odira and Cheruiyot headline team Kenya for Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Joel Masibo 21st June, 2026 08:05 AM

Commonwealth 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala, world 800m title holder Lilian Odira, and former world 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot will be among the leading stars carrying Kenya’s hopes at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Following an intense three-day national selection event marked by fierce competition across disciplines at the Nyayo National Stadium, Athletics Kenya on Saturday, June 20, 2026, named a strong squad expected to challenge for medals on the international stage.

Omanyala targets to retain title

Omanyala, who captured the Commonwealth 100m title in Birmingham in 2022, returns to the Games aiming to retain his sprint crown. Odira will be targeting another major championship title to complement her world 800m success, while Cheruiyot will be hoping to finally claim Commonwealth gold after settling for silver in his previous two appearances.

Ferdinand Omanyala at the 2026 Athletics Kenya National Championships. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/FerdiOmanyalaOMURWAhttps://www.facebook.com/FerdiOmanyalaOMURWA

The team also includes African 800m champion Kelvin Loti, national 10,000m champion Diana Wanza, Kenyan decathlon record-holder Edwin Too, multiple-time hammer throw champion Dominic Abunda, and world steeplechase bronze medallist Edmund Serem.

Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei expressed confidence in the athletes selected for the Games, saying the federation was pleased with the quality of talent chosen to represent the country.

Tuwei speaks

“This is the team which we have selected and tasked with flying Kenya’s flag. We wish them the very best of luck as they go to Scotland,” said Tuwei.

He noted that the federation had formally transferred responsibility for the team to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), which will oversee preparations and operations until the conclusion of the Games.

“From here, we will hand over the team to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, which will manage the team from now onwards until they come back from the Commonwealth Games,” he stated.

“I am sure NOCK will take care of you and guide you. To those who have been given the responsibility of coaching the team, take care of the team well.”

Tuwei urged the athletes to produce strong performances and bring home a substantial medal tally from Scotland.

“Let us see good performances in Glasgow and, of course, many medals.” He said.

Mvurya’s sentiments

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya also praised the selection exercise, describing the trials as fair and accessible to athletes from all regions of the country.

Sports CS Salim Mvurya ta the Nyayo National Stadium during the AK National Championships on Saturday, June 20, 2026. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/GovernorSalimMvurya

“This was a very good event, very transparent. It has given all the regions an opportunity to participate so that the best can be selected,” said Mvurya.

The Cabinet Secretary congratulated both the successful athletes and those who participated in the highly competitive qualification process.

“On behalf of the government, I congratulate all selected athletes as well as all those who participated in these trials.”

Mvurya assured Team Kenya of government backing throughout the Games campaign.

“The team has been handed over to NOCK, but as government we will give our full support both now and in Scotland,” he added.

He further disclosed that every athlete selected for the Games will undergo anti-doping tests as part of efforts to maintain Kenya’s reputation for clean competition.

“The government is committed to ensuring our athletes win with integrity. The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) will conduct tests for all athletes so that when they win, they win clean,” he noted.