Without a doubt, Kenya is home to some of the world’s most sensational athletes.
To such an extent that when conversing with a foreigner and you mention that you’re from Kenya, the common question they may pose is, “Do you run?”
Scientists and researchers have made numerous attempts to explain why Kenyans are often the embodiment of athleticism. Most compelling explanations often revolve around genetic predisposition.
Regardless of the accuracy, Kenyans will continue to set records in the future. Both the young and old Kenyans continue to give Kenya an incredible reputation abroad.
In the words of Athletic GOAT Eliud Kipchoge, “Athletics is not so much about the legs, it’s about the heart and mind.”
However, athletics is not a full-time job. Away from the track, these stars have solid career lines. Like any other citizen, they also have to chase the bag to provide for themselves and their families.
Given their domination in athletics track events in Africa & the World today, some of the most prominent athletes have earned recruitment and promotions within the Kenya National Police Service.
Here is a list of Kenyan athletes who have served in the Police service:
Male Athletes
1. David Rudisha
Rudisha is an all-time great in Kenyan athletics. To date, he remains the only human being to sprint a remarkable 1:40:91 (under 1:41) in 800m.
He set this record on August 9th at the 2012 London Olympics. A race graced by elegance, Rudisha’s run was perfectly paced, leading from start to finish.
Aside from the athletics ropes, David Rudisha is a Chief Inspector. In 2016, Rudisha made headlines with photos of himself clad in police attire.
He captioned the post: “Many are used to seeing me in running outfits, but this is the other look outside the track! Proud Police Officer. #Loveyourjob.”
2. Ferdinand Omanyala
Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s 100m record holder with a time of 9.77 seconds, joined the National Police Service in December 2021, after his 1st breakout. He was appointed as an inspector.
This means he competes in his track events as a representative of the National Police Service.
The significant advantage he gains from this arrangement is the ability to access the essential resources and funding needed to fully unlock his track potential.
In January 2023, the remarkable short-distance sprinter successfully finished the Basic Police Training Course and graduated from the National Police College in Kiganjo.
3. Julius Yego
The fabled ‘YouTube man’ who learnt the essential techniques of throwing a Javelin by watching YouTube videos is also a police.
Julius Yego made his awaited return to the World Athletics in Budapest in 2023.
He participated in the qualification round but was axed out from the final after becoming 8th in his group with a throw of 78.42m.
Yego is the African record holder for the Javelin throw with a Personal Best (PB) of 92.72m recorded at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, China.
Reportedly, Julius Yego holds the rank of Seargent in the police force.
4. Ezekiel Kemboi
Kemboi is one of the most famed athletes who always brought glory to Kenya whenever he participated on big stages.
With his trademark run and unique victory dance (wagging his finger, shaking his hips & holding the Kenyan flag) after a win, he is regarded as a 3000m steeple chase great.
Kemboi has won 3 gold medals at World Championships namely in Berlin (2009), Daegu (2011) and Moscow (2013). His PB is 7:55:76 set at the Herculis Diamond League in Monaco in 2011.
Reportedly, Kemboi is one of the many athletes who served in the Kenyan police force. He is specialized and attached to the Presidential Escort Unit.
5. Timothy Cheruiyot
Cheruiyot is a famous middle-distance runner who specializes in the 1500m event. He is the current Olympic Silver medalist, winning the medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Cheruiyot has an impressive track record of winning the Diamond League title four times in his speciality event (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021. His PB was set at the Monaco Diamond League 2021, clocking 3:28:28.
Chreuiyot served as Chief Inspector up to 2020 when he received a promotion to Senior Superintendent following his achievement at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
6. Asbel Kiprop
Asbel Kiprop is a former 1500m Olympic Champion and 3-time World Champion. His Personal Best time is 3:26:29 set at Herculis DL in Monaco.
Asbel Kiprop is a police officer. However, his career with the NPS has been marred by controversy.
He was tracked down by the NPS after he took to social media threatening to use his firearm to ‘seek justice’ after his doping ban.
Female Athletes
1. Hellen Obiri
She is a world-leading giant in the middle and long-distance track events and stands as the only woman to have won world titles in indoor track, outdoor track and cross country.
Obiri engaged in athletics to join the military. In 2009, she graduated from the KDF Recruit Training School in Eldoret.
Hellen Obiri serves as the Senior Sergeant at Laikipia Air Base.
2. Mary Moraa
For a long time coming, Mary Moraa has been a star in the making. In the 800m final championship in Budapest, Moraa triumphed over Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson in a thrilling race.
She clocked her PB of 1:56:03, sealing her first global title. Mary Moraa was admitted into the National Police Service in November 2021.
She graduated as an Administration Police Officer in a ceremony presided by former President Uhuru Kenyatta at their Embakasi A Campus.
