For Kenya’s wrestlers, the upcoming East Africa Wrestling Championships in Burundi will be more than a battle for regional supremacy. It will be a crucial examination of their readiness for bigger international assignments, including the Youth Olympics and Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualification.
In an interview, Team Kenya head coach Mark Omumasaba said on Saturday, August 15, that the 16 wrestlers in camp at Mtaalam Wrestling Club, Kamiti Maximum Prison in Ruiru, were ready for the challenge.
“Preparations are going on well. We have everything in place including meals and we don’t have any injury issues,” explained Omumasaba.
With only one training session remaining before recovery and departure, Omumasaba expects stiff opposition from hosts Burundi, who he noted that were likely to field 68 wrestlers, including at least three in every category.
But he believes Kenya is prepared to face any opponent and singled out Jemima Nakhumicha and Calvin Nyatuka as key medal hopefuls both at the East Africa and Youth Olympics.
Nakhumicha, a Form Three student in Ruiru, will compete in the 68kg category and is using the regional event to measure her progress ahead of Senegal.
The junior champion admitted that training during school term has required sacrifice, with sessions before classes and another short workout in the evening.
“I am happy to have qualified for Youth Olympics and I hope to come back with a medal from there,” she said.
Nyatuka, a Form Four student at Emmanuel ACK School in Kitale, will also use Burundi as a stepping stone towards the Youth Olympics after securing qualification.
He finished fourth out of 15 competitors at last year’s East Africa championships and is now targeting gold. His preparations have been hampered by shortages of training venues and equipment, as well as delays in receiving medical treatment when injuries occur.
Team captain Vivian Adhiambo Odongo, an 18-year-old Form Three student, is chasing gold after settling for silver last year.
“I am aiming higher than what I achieved before,” observed Odongo, who credited Omumasaba, Mathayo Mahabila and Mwai for helping her develop as both a wrestler and captain.
Player-coach Mahabila is another major Kenyan medal prospect. He has won gold at the last two editions and expects to defend his titles in the 79kg category and beach wrestling’s 80kg class.
Mahabila explained that his success comes from hard work, proper training, eating well, sleeping adequately and putting God first.
He is also preparing for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualification campaign, saying every East African championship helps him gauge his level before progressing to African and Olympic qualifiers.
Beyond his own ambitions, Mahabila wants the young wrestlers he trains to reach the Olympics and win medals.
Omumasaba shares that long-term vision, advising Kenya must continue scouting young talent at grassroots level, developing it and ensuring a steady supply of wrestlers for the national team.
With Burundi expected to provide a stern test, Kenya will seek to turn its preparations into medals while laying a stronger foundation for its Olympic ambitions.
Team Kenya for East Africa Wrestling Championships:
Women cadet - Jemimah Nakhumicha (65kg), Joy Lichuma (57kg), Janet Ingwesi (69kg), Joy Shalyng (53kg), Nancy Sophia (70kg) and Lavenda Tali (45kg); Men's cadet - Calvin Nyatuka (65kg), Vincent Waweru (70kg), Dan Kegode (60kg), Clinton Omari (51kg); Senior women - Faith Wamalwa (70kg), Vivian Odongo (53kg), Ivonne Masibo (68kg), Dyvonter Ashly (65kg); Senior men - Mahabila Mathayo (79kg), James Omwange (74kg), Rogers Onyambu (70kg). Coaches - Peter Omenda, Mark Omumasaba and Alivisa Winrose, referee Peter Mwai, head of delegation Anthony Kariuki.
