Media personality Dr Ofweneke beat senior government officials and content creators to win a fun race during the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.
Ofweneke, whose real name is Sande Bush, crossed the finishing line first in the friendly sprint held on Tuesday, October 20, earning bragging rights over a field that included senior government officials.
Among those who took part were Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, digital strategist Dennis Itumbi, content creator Arap Uria and former world junior 800-metre record holder Japheth Kimutai.
The race provided a lighter moment during the national celebrations, with spectators cheering as the participants traded their official roles for a brief athletic contest.
Kiptoo had an early setback after falling shortly after the start. He recovered and continued towards the finish line.
Assistant Director of Protocol and Events Chipukeezy kept the crowd entertained with playful commentary on the participants’ running abilities, at one point suggesting that ambulances should be on standby.
He also teased Kiptoo, joking that his colleagues should let him win because he was in charge of the country’s finances.
Following his victory, Ofweneke celebrated on social media, declaring himself the “Eagle” and the “Duke of Kakamega”.
“My name is the eagle himself, the duke of Kakamega…Dr. Ofweneke is my name!!!” he wrote.
The race was part of the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations, presided over by President William Ruto at Kipchoge Keino Stadium.
Mashujaa Day is observed annually on October 20 to honour Kenyans who have contributed to the country’s independence, development and progress.
The day traces its historical roots to the declaration of a State of Emergency by the British colonial administration in 1952, following the arrest of freedom fighters.
The 2010 Constitution renamed the former Kenyatta Day to Mashujaa Day, broadening the recognition of national heroes beyond the country’s founding generation to include people whose contributions span different fields.
This year’s celebrations were co-hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties for the first time, placing the North Rift region at the centre of the national event.