Africa’s sprint king Ferdinand Omanyala reclaimed his throne at the Kip Keino Classic under the Nyayo Stadium floodlights on Friday, April 24, delivering a masterclass in front of a frenzied home crowd.
The 30-year-old Kenyan bullet stormed to victory in a scorching 9.96 seconds—his second sub-10 clocking in as many outings this season. Hot off a 9.98 triumph at last weekend’s Addis Ababa Grand Prix, Omanyala owned the historic night race from gun to tape, shrugging off two early false starts that tested everyone’s nerves.
South Africa’s Rivaldo Roberts chased hard for silver in 10.12, with Canada’s Aaron Brown grabbing bronze at 10.15. Local hope Mark Otieno battled but ended eighth in a personal best of 10.23.
Elation erupted post-finish: Omanyala danced jubilantly with artist Iyanii amid roaring cheers, then donned AFC Leopards jerseys tossed by ecstatic fans. The Commonwealth Games champ beamed, “Crossing 90m, I felt unstoppable. Winning at home with this energy? Unreal. Massive thanks to every supporter—this one’s for Kenya!”
Omanyala’s fireworks kick off the Diamond League leg with style, fueling Olympic dreams. Kenya’s track faithful left buzzing.
