EXPLAINER: Why Kenyan Sprinter Omanyala Declined To Race IShowSpeed
Kenyan sprint superstar Ferdinand Omanyala has spoken out to explain why he failed to battle American streamer IShowSpeed during his recent tour of Kenya.
Before the streamer’s trip, there was talk of a possible clash between Ishowspeed and Africa’s fastest man, which Omanyala flatly refused, citing work obligations.
Omanyala reportedly established tough conditions for the YouTuber, including a compensation sum of more than ksh6 million, before engaging in what he described as an exhibition race.
“I am not an influencer. I do this for money. Coming to do an exhibition run, I have to pause some of the things that I am doing to come to you. I need to earn from running,” Omanyala clarified.
He added that he had worked with several famous companies that typically pay him to run, and that he would not be involved in any content development.
“I am not an influencer. I have big companies like Toyota and Adidas that pay me to run. I can’t do an exhibition run,” Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, explains why he didn’t race IShowSpeed during the streamer’s tour in Kenya! pic.twitter.com/4zqAJch0Tb
— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) January 12, 2026
Earlier, he stated that he had no rules for someone who needed to race him as long as adequate contact and payment were made.
Omanyala stated that if he sustained an accident, his career would suffer, but because he is an internet personality, the pecuniary consequences would be modest.
His responses elicited varied reactions online, with some fans disappointed and others praising Omanyala for remaining committed to his job and ideals.
Omanyala reiterated that if Speed wanted to race him, it would be serious business, requiring him to contact his management and make the necessary payments.
“If he agrees to our terms, we will have fun,” he added, noting he was looking forward to the race.
Even without the race, Omanyala stated that he still hoped to meet the YouTuber and show him around Nairobi and experience different Kenyan delicacies.
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IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., was in Kenya from January 11 and had met key figures in the country, including Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and javelin star Julius Yego.
He is well known for challenging professional athletes and public figures to sprint races.
He has, in the recent past, raced the notable athletes, including world champion Letsile Tebogo, in a 200 metre race while in Botswana.
In 2024, he ran the 100 metre Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles in a 50 metre dash for over KSh10 million, a race that Lyles won.
EXPLAINER: Why Kenyan Sprinter Omanyala Declined To Race IShowSpeed
