Omanyala, Oketch inspire Kenya to gold and silver haul at Lefika Relays
By Joel Masibo, March 29, 2026Africa’s sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala and Mercy Oketch inspired team Kenya to an outstanding performance at the Lefika International Relays in Gaborone , Botswana, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, securing multiple podium finishes and underlining the country’s growing dominance in relay events beyond its traditional long-distance prowess.
Stealing the show
The highlight of the competition came in the 4x400m mixed relay, where Kenya stormed to a memorable gold medal in a fiercely contested race. The quartet of Allan Kipyego, Mercy Chebet, Kevin Kipkorir and Mercy Oketch combined seamlessly to clock an impressive 3:14.04. Their commanding display not only secured gold but also reinforced Kenya’s rising reputation in sprint relays on the global stage.
Kenya continued its strong showing in the 4x100m mixed relay, finishing second to claim a silver medal after an electrifying race. The team featured Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, alongside Mary Oketch, Boniface Mweresa and Milicent Ndoro. They clocked a remarkable 41.70 seconds, finishing just behind Nigeria in a race that showcased speed, precision, and teamwork.
The performance proved historic, as the team set a new national record while also boosting Kenya’s global ranking to 13th. This significant rise strengthens the country’s chances of qualifying for the upcoming World Athletics Relays, marking an important milestone for Kenyan sprinting.
Omanyala inspires
In the men’s 4x100m relay, Kenya once again impressed by clinching another silver medal. Led by Omanyala, the quartet produced a strong run, stopping the clock at 39.12 seconds to secure a podium finish in yet another competitive field.
The results from Gaborone signal a shift in Kenya’s athletics narrative, with the nation increasingly becoming a force in sprint and relay events. Traditionally known for distance running, these performances highlight a new generation of sprinters ready to challenge the world’s best.
With momentum building and confidence soaring, Team Kenya now looks ahead to future international assignments with renewed belief and ambition in short races.