Hail Sergeant Lilian Odira! 800m world champion
Women’s 800m world champion Lilian Odira (R) at during her promotion ceremony at the Kenya Prisons Service Headquarters, following her Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025 gallant show. Photo/Handout
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Freshly minted World women’s 800m champion Lilian Odira has been honored by the Kenya Prisons Service after her golden exploits at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The 26-year-old has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant from Constable, following her stunning run in Tokyo where she stormed to victory in the women’s 800m final.
The colorful ceremony was presided over today by Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh at the Kenya Prisons Headquarters in Nairobi.
“Today, I have received the departmental flag with immense pride, as the impeccable performance on the world stage has brought honour not only to our service but also to our beloved nation, Kenya,” said Aranduh.
“I want to invite the world 800m champion, Lillian, to come forward, amidst clappings. We want to honour you to the rank of Sergeant,” announced Aranduh to a thunderous applause at the Kenya Prisons Headquarters.
Odira clocked a personal best of 1:54.62 in Tokyo, breaking a 42-year-old championship record set by Czech athlete Jarmila Kratochvílová in 1983. Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson settled for bronze in 1:54.91.
Speaking after receiving her new stripes, Sergeant Odira said the promotion is a motivation to work even harder.
“I want to thank the Commissioner General of Prisons, the whole Kenya Prisons for the recognition and honour. It feels so great going fighting for your country and department and getting the rewards,” said Sergeant Odira.
“I think this is my motivation, because I will now have to work more harder, for greater things. This is just the start of my journey and I am aiming to do more better,” affirmed Odira.
She also took time to heap praise on her coach Jacinta Muraguri, as well as her family.
“She is my daily supporter, we have worked this journey together. My family too, my two kids, they are special people,” said Odira.
“I can talk about a world record now, this is just the start of my journey," she added.
Coach Muraguri welcomed the recognition, saying their next focus is the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, next year.
“It’s a great honour and motivation to the athlete, and going forward she will work more harder,” said Muraguri.
“It’s a great achievement to Lillian and the department also. I sincerely thank Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh at the Kenya Prisons.”
“We are going to have rest then start again, as we eye 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,” added coach Muraguri.
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