Table of Contents
- The most followed Kenyan athletes online are humble
- They have excelled in their respective sports
- Famous athletes in Kenya and globally have tapped into the power of social media to connect with their fans
Is your favourite sports personality among the most followed Kenyan athletes online? Chances are they could be, depending on their levels of excellence in their respective sports.
Famous athletes in Kenya and globally have tapped into the power of social media to connect with their fans.
They share bits of their professional and social lives. It’s because of Facebook, Instagram, X, among others, that the world knows a lot about different athletes.
It’s through these online platforms that their gigs as brand ambassadors and influencers have flourished.
Who are the Most Followed Kenyan Athletes Online?
These are the eight most followed Kenyan athletes online
1. Eliud Kipchoge – 2.7 Million Instagram Followers
Kenya has produced various talented runners including Eliud Kipchoge. Photo/ Africa News.
Eliud Kipchoge is a two-time Olympic champion and a famous marathon runner globally. He is the first man in athletic history to complete a full marathon in under two hours.
He made history in 2019 in the famous INEOS 1:59 challenge, besides winning the London and Berlin Marathons respectively. He broke the world record at the 2022 Berlin Marathon, clocking 2:01:09.
2. Michael Olunga – 1.7 million Facebook Followers
Kenyan footballer Michael Olunga. Photo/Michael Olunga
The Al-Duhail striker perfectly fits in this list of the most followed Kenyan athletes online. Olunga has an impeccable football career. Before joining Al-Duhail in the Qatar Stars League Club, he played in La Liga and the J-League in Japan. He is the Harambee Stars Captain.
The 31-year-old won the 2021 Qatar’s Stars League Golden Boot. He is a critical player for Kenya during international matches. Olunga is among the few Kenyan players who have excelled internationally.
3. Dennis Ombachi – 1.4 Million Instagram Followers
Former Kenya Rugby Sevens player Dennis Ombachi. Photo/Dennis Ombachi
Former Kenyan Rugby Sevens player Dennis Ombachi is an interesting pick among the most followed Kenyan athletes online. He earned a huge social media following from his culinary activities. He is popularly known as ‘The Roaming Chef.’ Cooking is now his main trade.
Ombachi attributes his turnaround in life from rugby to his love for cooking. He nearly gave up in life after battling depression for a while but the fun of cooking and sharing with his fans online saved his life.
4. Faith Kipyegon – 684K Facebook Followers
Three-time Olympic winner Faith Kipyegon has been nominated for Laureus Sportswoman of the Year 2025. Photo/Faith Kipyegon
Faith Kipyegon has an infectious smile that earned her the smiling queen of the track’ moniker. Kipyegon holds the 1500m world record. Back home, Kenyans love her unconditionally due to her focus on athletics and calm demeanour.
The 31-year-old is a mother of one and a doting wife. She maintains a strict lifestyle to remain in top shape. She shared in the past that a part of her winning regimen is her daughter and husband. They support and motivate her to be the best and do better in each race.
5. Victor Wanyama – 494K Facebook Followers
At 33, there is still so much to say about Victor Wanyama away from the most followed Kenyan athletes online. The defensive midfielder opened the doors for other Kenyans to play football in Europe.
He first played for Premier League team Southampton before playing for Tottenham Hotspur and later moving to CF Montreal in the Major League Soccer (MLS).
6. Ferdinand Omanyala – 409K Facebook Followers
Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala. Photo/KenyanVibe
Omanyala, a Kenya Police Service officer, is among the fastest men in Africa, a position he fights for with Botswana’s Leslie Tsebogo. He set a stellar record in the 100m in 2021 after clocking 9.77 seconds. He followed up this record with another major win in 2022 at the African Championships.
His fitness routine has earned him a lot of social media followers to understand how he achieves his speed with such bulging muscles.
7. David Rudisha – 349K Facebook Followers
Kenyans wish their favourite ‘king of 800m’ stuck around longer before retiring, although an injury pushed him to early retirement. Despite his fame and a successful athletics career, Rudisha maintains his humility, and this always charms his fans.
