Lillian Odira has been rewarded with a promotion to the rank of Sergeant following her historic performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Odira stunned the athletics world with a record-breaking victory in the women’s 800 meters, where she shattered a world record that had stood unchallenged for more than four decades.
In a statement on Friday, October 3, the Kenya Prisons Service confirmed the recognition, attributing the decision to elevate her rank to her triumph.
"The Kenya Prisons Service has promoted Lillian Odira to Sergeant following her record-breaking 800M victory at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where she shattered a 43-year-old world record.
"The promotion was announced by Commissioner General of Prisons, Mr. Patrick Aranduh, CBS, during the Service Flag Returning Ceremony at Prisons Headquarters," the statement read.
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In his remarks during the ceremony, the Commissioner General highlighted the significance of the win and paid tribute to those who contributed to Odira’s journey.
"The CGP praised Sgt. Odira for bringing pride to the Service and the nation, also commended Deputy Commissioner General Nicholas Maswai, MBS, for leading the team to Tokyo. Special recognition was given to retired champion and coach Superintendent Jacinta Muraguri, whose mentorship was key to Odira’s success," the statement added.
This comes weeks after Beatrice Chebet earned a promotion within the National Police Service (NPS) after her performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
On Tuesday, September 23, Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service (DIG-KPS) Eliud Lagat received NPS athletes at Vigilance House on behalf of Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
The athletes had landed in Nairobi earlier in the afternoon following their successful campaign in Tokyo, Japan.
Among the standout performers was Chebet, who dominated the track in Tokyo, clinching gold in both the 10,000m and 5,000m races.
Her victories contributed to Kenya’s strong medal haul at the championships, where Team Kenya secured a total of 11 medals; 7 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze.
While addressing the athletes, Lagat recommended the promotion of Chebet from Corporal to Sergeant of Police.
"In recognition of her remarkable achievement, Corporal Beatrice Chebet was recommended for promotion to the rank of Sergeant of Police," NPS said in a statement.
Late August, Harambee Stars and Ulinzi Stars player Boniface Muchiri earned a promotion in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Muchiri was promoted from the rank of Senior Private to the rank of Corporal following his outstanding performance in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri presided over the promotion of Muchiri on Wednesday, August 27, at the Ministry of Defence headquarters.
The new ranks were conferred by the General Officer Commanding Eastern Command, Major General Luka Kutto.
General Kahariri congratulated Muchiri for his exemplary discipline, commitment, and excellence on both national and international stages.
"We are very grateful for your commitment, hard work and excellent performance while serving Kenya and, by extension, the KDF. We wish you success in future assignments and are confident you will continue to excel," Kahariri stated.
