Pomp and color as Ferdinand Omanyala celebrates Christmas back in village

Residents of Tongaren, Bungoma County, started their Tuesday wearing smiles that masked the exhaustion that had begun to take a toll on them.

The slow-paced village came to life on Monday, 29 December, after Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, organized a grand feast to crown the Christmas celebrations in style.

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The massive turnout, pulsating music, colorful dances, and plenty of food turned the day into an unforgettable community gathering.

The celebrations kicked off on a high note as Isikuti dancers, dressed in Arsenal jerseys, the EPL club Omanyala passionately supports, marched and sang their way into the compound.

Family members had already arrived early to prepare and serve meals as the dancers set the tone for the festivities.

Moments later, the party spilled towards the house as more guests continued to stream in.

Among those in attendance were Omanyala’s mother, Adelaide Omurwa, his brothers, Kevin Busuru, Bryan Wekesa, and Isaac Omurwa, extended family members, former teachers, childhood doctors, friends, and church members, all united in celebrating one of their own.

The guests took the opportunity to praise and congratulate Omanyala for elevating the village’s name and putting it firmly on the global athletics map.

An emotional Adelaide Omurwa could not hide her joy, noting that her son’s success had inspired many young people in the village to believe in their own abilities.

“Most of the children here now believe they can make something out of their talents because they have seen one of their own do it. They tell me, ‘If Omanyala, our neighbour, can succeed, then we can also try.’ That makes me very proud,” the visibly excited mother offered.

She reflected on the difficult early years when Omanyala was still trying to establish himself on the global stage, recalling moments of uncertainty and sacrifice.

“There was a time when things were very tough, and I even thought maybe he should try other sports where opportunities seemed more available. But his zeal, discipline, and resilience kept him going, and that is what has brought him this far,” Omurwa said.

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She went on to urge her son to continue pushing forward, confident that his journey is far from complete.

“I always remind him to keep working hard because the best is yet to come,” she said.

On his part, Omanyala warmly welcomed all the guests, thanking them for taking time to celebrate with his family and the village.

The sensational sprinter explained that the idea for the celebration was inspired by the large crowds that often gather whenever he visits home.

He recalled an October visit that was meant to last just two days, only for it to stretch longer after villagers turned up in large numbers to greet him and take photos.

“I realized that people were coming every day just to see me, greet me, and take pictures. That is when I decided to organize one big celebration where everyone could come together to eat, dance, take photos, and just enjoy themselves,” he said.

And indeed, it happened in style. Villagers ate, danced, and sang joyfully late into the night, celebrating the return of their son. As the saying goes, it truly takes a village to raise a child.

One of the villagers, Nanjala Eunice, described the event as deeply meaningful.

“We feel honored that he remembers us and comes back home. We have eaten together, danced together, and celebrated as one family. We are very proud of him,” she said.

The night unfolded with a spectacular lineup of entertainment. Dancers and Isikuti players took the stage, captivating the audience with their talents

The atmosphere was electric, and as the clock ticked closer to midnight, the excitement only got better.

With the friendly weather, the celebrations hit a crescendo as the villagers poured into the compound to celebrate the day with dances and Isukuti (traditional celebratory dance).