Hezekiah Munyoro Nyamau, the man who blazed a trail for Kenyan sprinters on the Olympic stage back in 1968 and served his nation with honor and dedication in the Kenya Defence Forces, sadly passed away on October 7, 2025. He was 87. His powerful strides once carried the pride of a nation through his impressive performance on the track. As Kenya awoke to the heartbreaking news that silenced its sporting community, Munyoro Nyamau’s legacy will forever run through the heart of Kenya’s sporting soul.

Born in rural Kenya on December 6, 1938, Hezekiah Nyamau’s sprinting brilliance was evident from a young age. At just 15, he caught the attention of his parents, coaches, and even his classmates when he won the inter-school championships in Kisii. It would not be wrong to say that this marked the beginning of his golden story. Then at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, the athlete stood shoulder to shoulder with his brethren, Daniel Rudisha, Naftali Bon, and Charles Asati to deliver one of the most iconic moments in Kenya’s track history. The combined performance of all four of these athletes clinched the silver medal in the 4x400m relay for Kenya.

In the individual 400m, Nyamau’s blistering 46.37-second dash carried him to the semifinals, where he narrowly missed the final by mere fractions of a second. His performance certainly etched his name among the greats in the history of Kenyan sports. Yet, the athlete was not satisfied with just a silver medal; he wanted more. And at the 1972 Munich Olympics, he finally got it. Teaming up with Charles Asati, Robert Ouko, and Julius Sang, Nyamau blazed down the track in the 4x400m relay, storming to a historic gold and proving once again that Kenya could conquer more than just distance running.

LEGENDARY ATHLETE Hezekiah Nyamau, who was part of Team Kenya quartet that won gold medal in men’s 4x400m relay at 1972 Olympic Games is dead, his family has confirmed pic.twitter.com/czZMocRDIS

At the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he helped Kenya strike gold in the 4x400m relay with a time of 3:03.63. That same year, he and teammates Naftali Bon, Thomas Saisi and Robert Ouko set a world record in the 4×880 yards relay, clocking an impressive 7:11.6.

His service to the nation went far beyond the track. Nyamau was also a proud member of Kenya’s Defence Forces, dedicating his life to protecting the country’s borders with the same courage he displayed in competition. A fighter both on and off the field, he battled through life’s toughest races. His final years were marred by illness as he was battling with with stage three gall bladder cancer and has been in and out of various medical facilities in Kisii and Nakuku..

Athletics Kenya mourned the loss of the national hero, paying a heartfelt tribute: “AK extends its deepest condolences to Nyamau’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life. His courage, discipline, and devotion to country and sports will forever remain an inspiration. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to run strong in the hearts of those he inspired.” As the nation mourns the loss of its hero, many fans, and younger athletes paid their heartfelt tribute to the Kenyan legend.

Fans pay tribute to their hero, Hezekiah Nyamau

With a legacy spanning nearly 50 years in sports, Nyamau not only earned medals but also dedicated himself to training younger generations. Celebrating his legacy amid the sadness, one fan wrote, “Condolences to the family. However you guys should have used a different picture when he was an active athlete, bure sana.”

In his final moments, Hezekiah Nyamau’s deterioration in speech and increasing dependence on medical care highlighted the precarious state he was in. Condolences poured in, and tributes to the national hero were broadcast across the nation. “May He RIP.” However, one fan also questioned the media houses for chosing Munyoro Nyamau’s image from his last days. Fans suggested media outlets to choose pictures that showcase Nyamau with his medals. “Is it hard to get a better photo of the athlete or you simply using satire for publicity?” ”

Speaking to The Star on Tuesday after learning of the death of his teammate and close friend, Charles Asati said he was deeply shocked by the news. “I’m devastated. I feel like an orphan. We were very close and always checked on each other,” said Asati from his home in Kitutu Masaba, Nyamira. Hezekiah Nyamau was a true pioneer who helped Kenya garner triumphs on global stages. His legacy will pave the way for the next generation of athletes in Kenya.