Odira, Muneria fly past star-studded field at Kenya Prisons meet

The 2016 African Cross Country gold medallist (team event) Charles Muneria and the reigning Absa Kip Keino Classic women's 800m champion Lilian Odira lit up the opening day of the 2025 Kenya Prisons Service Inter-Regional Athletics, Darts and Chess Championships at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi, yesterday.

Muneria breezed to the tape to win the star-studded men's 10000m field in 29.07.3. Benjamin Kiptoo finished second in 29.21.9 as Peter Wanyoike sealed the podium in 29.44.3.

Likewise, blazing Odira flew past the stellar cast women's 1500m field, clocking 4:22.2 to win the category in her first-ever attempt at the race. Joyce Biwott (4:25.0) and Peninah Wangari (4:25.7) came second and third in that order.

"It was my first attempt in 1500m. I'm happy that I won. The race was tough, but the weather was great," Odira told Standard Sports.

The African 800m silver medallist, however, indicated that she has no plans to major in the 1500m category any sooner.

"In these championships, I'm taking a triple; I'm contesting the 1500m, 800m and 400m categories.

"My main focus is the 800m, which I'm out to defend tomorrow (Saturday) and, if possible, register another Personal Best," Odira stated.

She added: "My coach and I are using these competitions to rectify some of my weaknesses ahead of the Athletics Kenya (AK) National Championships to be held later this month. We have already worked on endurance and built up, now the focus is on speed."

Muneria, the 2016 African Cross Country bronze medallist (individual), was happy to have successfully defended the men's 10000m final for the fourth consecutive time.

"I was not sure if I was going to win it this time round, this is because I have been indisposed of late. I even missed the Spain Marathon last week due to sickness.

"Actually, I started feeling funny during the Italy Half Marathon, where I developed stomach bugs. This is what put me away from the Spain showpiece, and even when I was coming for today's championships, I was full of doubt, but I'm glad the race went my way.

"I'm hopeful that my body will be in great shape when we head for the AK nationals," he added.

Kenya Prisons are using the ongoing championships in Ulinzi to select a formidable team that will represent the force at the AK National Championships set for June 26-28.