Omanyala, Odira and Cheruiyot headline team Kenya for Glasgow Commonwealth Games
By Joel Masibo, June 21, 2026Commonwealth 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.
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.
“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.
Team Kenya squad for Glasgow 2026
Women 100m: Millicent Ndoro
Men 100m: Ferdinand Omanyala, Meshack Babu, Mark Otieno
Women 100m Hurdles: Rukia Nusra
Men 200m: Zablon Ekwam, Elkana Sabila
Women 400m: Mercy Oketch, Mercy Chebet, Nancy Jepkosgei
Men 400m: Kelvin Tonui, Boniface Mweresa, George Mutinda
Women 400m Hurdles: Vanice Kerubo
Men 400m Hurdles: Kipkorir Kiprotich
Women 800m: Lilian Odira, Janet Amimo, Vivian Chebet
Men 800m: Wyclife Kinyamal, Kelvin Loti, Nicholas Kiplagat
Women One Mile: Naomi Korir, Teresiah Gateri, Rosemary Longisa
Men One Mile: Timothy Cheruiyot, Reynold Cheruiyot, Brian Komen
Women 3,000m Steeplechase: Celestine Biwott, Faith Cherotich
Men 3,000m Steeplechase: Simon Koech, Edmund Serem, Leonard Bett
Women 5,000m: Caroline Nyaga, Rebecca Mwangi
Men 5,000m: Mathew Kipsang, Cornelius Kemboi, Andrew Kiptoo
Women 10,000m: Diana Wanza, Miriam Chebet
Men 10,000m: Ishmael Rokitto, Edwin Kurgat, Daniel Ebenyo
Men Race Walk: Stephen Ndangiri
Women Race Walk: Sylvia Kemboi
Men High Jump: Asbel Kiprop
Women Long Jump: Faith Kipsang
Men Triple Jump: Kevin Kemboi
Men Hammer Throw: Dominic Abunda
Women Shot Put: Belinda Oburu
Women Javelin: Irene Jepkemboi
Men Javelin: Julius Yego
Decathlon: Edwin Too.