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Five key figures from the national football team, Harambee Stars, were recognised for their exceptional performance at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), highlighting sports as a vital contributor to national pride and heritage.

Five members of the Harambee Stars, Kenya's national football team, were among 180 individuals honoured during Mashujaa Day celebrations held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County. The recognition, proposed by the National Heroes Council, celebrates their historic quarter-final finish at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), marking Kenya's best-ever performance in the tournament.
The honoured football personalities include captain Omar Aboud, goalkeeper Bryne Omondi, midfielder Alpha Onyango, striker Wesley Ogam Rabok, and Team Manager/Data Analyst Nicodemus Kimathi Musau. Their contributions were cited as pivotal to the team's success, which captivated the nation and showcased the potential of Kenyan football on the continental stage.
The 2025 Mashujaa Day honourees were selected through a comprehensive nationwide nomination and vetting process. This initiative was coordinated by the National Heroes Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
Nominations were gathered from diverse sources, including county governments, public institutions, civil society organisations, and ordinary citizens. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that nominees were evaluated based on their contributions to Kenya’s unity, progress, and heritage, adhering to principles of integrity and impact, as stipulated by the National Heroes Act, 2014.
Each of the five Harambee Stars honourees was celebrated for distinct contributions during the 2024 CHAN tournament:
The recognition of these sports heroes underscores the government's commitment to celebrating diverse forms of national contribution beyond traditional political and liberation struggles. This move is expected to inspire younger generations to pursue excellence in sports and other fields, fostering a stronger sense of national identity and pride. The National Heroes Council's mandate extends to promoting public awareness about heroes and supporting their families, further solidifying their place in Kenya's history.
The continued implementation of the National Heroes Act, 2014, and the operationalisation of the National Heroes Fund will be crucial in ensuring sustained recognition and support for Kenya's heroes. Future Mashujaa Day celebrations are likely to continue this trend of honouring individuals from a wide array of sectors, reflecting Kenya's multifaceted progress.