Emily Ayoti Kubasu: Johnson Sakaja’s Mum Who Was a Kenyan Sprinting Legend

Many know Johnson Sakaja as the Governor of Nairobi, a youthful political figure who has swiftly risen through Kenya’s political ranks. But behind his public life stands the story of a remarkable woman whose legacy was built on speed, resilience, and national pride. 

Emily Ayoti Kubasu, Sakaja’s mother, was a celebrated Kenyan sprinter whose name once resonated across athletics arenas. Though her story is seldom spotlighted, it is one marked by strength, poise, and groundbreaking achievement.

While serving as Nairobi Senator, Sakaja often spoke with admiration and pride about his late mother, whom he described simply as a champion.

During intense Senate debates such as the 2020 standoff on the revenue allocation formula, Sakaja dismissed threats from party leadership and affirmed that he would not be intimidated. He credited his defiance and determination to the spirit of a true champion, inherited from his mother.

Building on this context, Nairobi Leo researched and confirmed that the late Emily Kubasu was a force in Kenya’s sprinting scene during the 1960s and 70s.

Recognised as the fastest woman in the country at the time, Kubasu earned multiple accolades, including a gold medal in the 100 metres at the 1971 East and Central African Championships, which was widely remembered as her most iconic victory.

That same year, she was crowned East African champion in the 200 metres, further solidifying her place in regional athletics history.

Her triumphs came during the golden era of the now-defunct international athletics championships, a revered competition that ran for 32 years and drew top talent from across East and Central Africa.

In a 2021 interview on Churchill Show, Sakaja reflected on his mother’s life and legacy, sharing that she served as a senior government officer in the prison services until her death in 1994. He was only nine years old at the time.

In December 2024, the late Emily Kubasu was posthumously honored with a National Heroes Award in recognition of her pioneering role in Kenyan athletics.

“My sisters and I were honored to receive the Certificate of National Heroes Award, awarded posthumously to our late mother Emily Ayoti Kubasu Sakaja, today from the President. Thank you to PS Ummi Bashir and the Chair of the National Heroes Council, Hon. Jimmy Angwenyi,” Sakaja wrote. “Mum was an award-winning athlete who represented Kenya in short-distance races in the 70s and later went on to develop and mentor many athletes and champions, Sakaja posted.