Kenya Prisons Inter-Regional Championships: Muneria, Odira Shine On Day 1 At Ulinzi
Charles Muneria on his way to the finish line in men’s 10000m at the 2025 Kenya Prisons Service Inter-Regional Athletics, Darts and Chess Champjonships at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi، June 6, 2025. [Jonah Onyango، Standard]
NAIROBI, Kenya- The 2016 African Cross Country Championship gold medalist (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 in Nairobi on Friday.
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 stellar cast women’s 1500m field, clocking 4:22.2 to win the category in her first ever attempt of 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 medalist, 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,” Odira underlined.
Muneria, the 2016 African Cross Country bronze medalist (individual), was happy to have successfully defended the men’s 10000m final for the fourth consecutive time.
Lilian Odira on her way to the finish line in women’s 800m at the 2025 Kenya Prisons Service Inter-Regional Athletics, Darts and Chess Champjonships at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, June 6، 2025. [Jonah Onyango، Standard
“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 the today’s championships, I was full of doubt but I’m glad the race went my way,” stated Muneria.
“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.
Kenya Prisons Deputy Commissioner General Admin, Nicholas Maswai was happy with the level of the competition ongoing in Ulinzi stating that they are very confident to select a solid line up for the forthcoming AK Nationals.
Damaras Imbongo in action during the 2025 Kenya Prisons Service Inter-Regional Athletics, Darts and Chess Champjonships at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, June 6، 2025. [Jonah Onyango، Standard
Kenya Prisons Service Inter-Regional Championships Selected Day 1 Results
Women’s 1500m finals
1.Lilian Odira. 4:22.2, Western
2.Joyce Biwott 4:25.0, Guest
3.Penina Wangari 4:25.7, Rift Valley
4.Josephine Akora 4:33.7, Nairobi
5.Tecla Cheserek 4:34.1, PSTC
6.Fridah Ndinda 4:36.2, Guest
7.Josephine Musau 4:52.8, Nairobi
8.Gloria Chepkorir 5:20.7, Nyanza
9.Caroline Limo 5:22.1, Rift Valley
10.Damaris Wambua 5:42.2, Western
Men’s 10000m finals
1.Charles Muneria 29.07.3, PHQ
2.Benjamin Kiptoo 29.21.9, PSTC
3.Peter Wanyoike 29.44.3, Eastern
4.Simion Itoti 29.50.5, Rift Valley
5.Kelvin Chirchir 29.50.6, Guest
7.John Mwangangi 30.11.5, Nairobi
8.William Mateelong 30.52.5, Rift Valley
9.Dickson Too 30.58.4, Nairobi
10.Fredrick Juma 30.59.7, Eastern
