Legendary Kenyan athlete Dan Omwansa dies

The athletics fraternity is mourning the death of Dan Omwansa, one of Kenya’s pioneer athletes.

Omwansa, 74, died at a Nairobi hospital on Wednesday evening after a long illness, according to his family. His wife Esther Omwansa said his late husband was suffering from stroke and high blood pressure. She said burial arrangements for the Olympian will be announced later.

Athletics Kenya (AK) Nyanza South chairman, Peter Angwenyi said: “Omwansa was a great athlete, coach, and mentor to many. I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to the family and the entire athletics fraternity."

Gusii Sports Legends director, Alfred Momanyi, also mourned Omwansa, saying: “I’m deeply saddened by the death of our legend. It’s a dark day for us in the athletics fraternity. May God guide and give his family strength in these tough times."

Others who mourned Omwansa were Gusii Sports Legends secretary-general, Edwin Nyakeriga, chairman Gladys Asiba, former athletes Isabella Ochichi, Thomas Osano, Hezron Mokamba,  Tom Nyariki, Jackline Maranga, Sammy Nyangicha, and George Ondimu, among others. 

The track legend participated in 400m, 800m, 1,000m and 1, 500m. He represented Kenya in various events including the 1972 Munich Olympic Games where he featured in 800m. He was initially supposed to participate in the 4x400m relays but was replaced by the late Paul Sang.

The quartet including Sang, the late Robert Ouko, Charles Asati, and Hezekiel Nyamao however clinched the historic gold medal.