Kenya’s 100m sensation Ferdinand Omanyala issued a statement on Tuesday, September 13, thanking the outgoing president for his service.
The 26-year-old requested the ex-president to continue supporting him even as he heads to retirement.
“Happy retirement Uhuru. I hope you will not stop coming to watch my races. Thank you for your service,” read Omanyala’s statement.
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Uhuru was among the many Kenyans who supported Omanyala, particularly during the 2022 athletics season when he made his breakthrough.
The former head of state was present at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in May 2022 to watch Omanyala lift the 100m title at the Kipkeino Classic, a World Athletics Continental Tour.
Prior to Omanyala’s triumph at Kasarani, Uhuru had congratulated him for winning a leg of the ASA Athletics Grand Prix held in Johannesburg on April 14.
"President Uhuru Kenyatta has congratulated emerging Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala following the athlete's pulsating win of the 100m race at the ASA Athletics Grandprix 4 in South Africa on Wednesday.
“Africa's fastest sprinter won the race with this season's best time of 9.98 seconds beating Commonwealth Games champion South African Akani Simbine who finished second at the event held at Germiston Stadium in Johannesburg,” read a statement from State House Kenya.
Omanyala, a University of Nairobi graduate has had an impressive season bagging several high-profile races including winning gold in the 2022 Commonwealth title.
Uhuru’s retirement comes at a time when the Kenyan sports sector is in shambles.
The country is currently serving a FIFA ban while the women’s volleyball team is facing financial challenges as they prepare for the FIVB World Championships to be co-hosted by Netherlands and Poland.