Omanyala, Moraa unstoppable at AK meet as Mark Otieno makes comeback after two years

Ferdinand Omurwa Omanyala and Mary Moraa had an excellent start at the third Athletics Kenya (AK) track and field weekend meet held at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, January 26, 2024. 

Omanyala, who took part in the 200m discipline, comfortably won his heat which guaranteed him a spot in the semifinals slated for Saturday.

The University of Nairobi alumni destroyed the field and went on to cross the finishing line in an impressive time of 20.46 seconds.

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He is scheduled to compete in the semifinal of the race on Saturday, January 27 at exactly 08:45 AM Kenyan time.

This was Omanyala’s second event of the season. The 28-year-old opened his 2024 campaign at the recently held second AK meet where he registered a fifth-place finish in the 400m race.

On the other hand, Omanyala’s younger sibling Isaac Omurwa also had a good start, settling for a second-place finish in his 100m heat behind Justine Mogoi.

Isaac is likely to square it out with the likes of Mark Otieno in tomorrow’s final as he eyes to emulate his brother’s impressive career. 

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Otieno did exemplary well in his first competitive race since being suspended two years ago for doping related reasons.

He clocked 10.41 seconds to win his heat before lowering the time to 10:33 in the semifinals held late in the evening.

Speaking during a post-race interview, Otieno who recently welcomed a bouncing baby boy, stated that the race was a tough one.

“It wasn’t easy because of course guys are showing up. But again it is an opportunity because we were all once there.

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I remember heats used to be like around 8. We are now pushing all the way to 20. It shows that there is talent and guys really want come in and reach where Ferdinand has reached,” commented Otieno.

He ended by revealing that Omanyala’s achievements on the track has encouraged and shown him that everything is possible.

Another big name who started her season at the third AK meet was Moraa. Similar to Omanyala, the two-lap specialist chose to try her luck in a different discipline. 

The runner, who became a household name after winning an 800m gold medal for Kenya at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, took part in the 400m race.

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As expected, Moraa was unmatchable. She clocked the fastest time (53:01) from all the heats.

Shadrack Kipkurui from Central region won the men’s 5000m ahead of Samwel Ruoti and Joseph Ntimama. Kipkurui stopped the stopwatch at 14:09.29.    

Finally, in the women’s 10000m race, little-known Rebecca Njeri Mwangi clocked 34:14.29 to clinch the title ahead of Monica Wanjiku and Nympha Kiteta. Wanjiku and Kiteta crossed the finishing line in 34:17.90 and 34:21.88 respectively.

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