Wiseman Were: I Almost Changed My Citizenship…

It’s around 7:30 AM, I’m driving along Lang’ata Road, within Nairobi city heading to Ulinzi Sports Complex, a facility within Langata Barracks, I come to a halt at the gate for clearance, a process carried out with military precision. As I proceed towards the stadium, I see several athletes engaged in different exercises, with coaches shouting instructions.

Then, from a distance, I spotted him.

Moving with perfect, synchronized cadence, he is literally flying as he approaches the finish line where Coach Dennis Mwanzo and yours truly were waiting, every stride is smooth, controlled, and powerful—a display of sheer athletic mastery.

After two hours of patience and learning, he is all mine for the pen and paper.

Wiseman Were Mukhobe.

Wiseman Were Mukhobe comes from a family of four boys and two girls and is the second-last born. He was born in Centre Kwanza Village, Kitale, in Trans Nzoia County. Raised in a typical African household, nothing seemed extraordinary about him—except his love for playing.

“During my early years, I loved playing a lot. Other kids found it hard to catch up with me, whether in football or running, and I enjoyed it so much,” Were recalls with his signature smile.

His athletic journey started at Holy Cross Emalindi Primary School, where he actively participated in sports, mainly running. However, his passion for sprinting became more serious when he joined secondary school.

Wiseman enrolled in Form One at Samitsi High School in Malava, Kakamega County, where his sporting abilities stood out. St. Paul’s High School took notice and recruited him. Before the year ended, he transferred to Malava Boys High School and later to St. Ignatius Mukumu Boys High School.

“During those days, schools in Western Kenya valued students excelling in both academics and sports. I was among the few multi-talented students who could run, play rugby, and football. That’s why different schools were eager to have me,” says Were.

Unfortunately, a rugby injury altered his path.

“I broke my hand while playing rugby in 2016, I was devastated because I wanted to play rugby to national levels. But fate had other plans,” he says. After healing, he decided to focus solely on athletics.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Wiseman experimented with different events, from the 110m hurdles to the 100m, 200m, and 400m flat races. Eventually, he found his strength in the 400m hurdles. His talent shone through, he competed at national-level school games in Mombasa and later at the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Association (FEASSA) Games in Uganda where he performed extremely well.

Despite his success in athletics, football still called him. In his final year of high school, he played more football than he trained for running. His skill attracted attention from Western Kenya football clubs, and Vihiga Football Club even offered him a spot.

“Though I was a good footballer, my heart was in running,” he admits. After much thought, he declined the offer.

Wiseman’s parents were initially sceptical about his sports career,

“For many African parents, school is about studying, not sports. My father tried to talk me out of it, but eventually, they accepted that I was an athlete,” says Were.

Using Sticks as Hurdles

Determined to improve, Wiseman trained using makeshift hurdles made from sticks he cut from the forest.

“I didn’t know the correct height or width, so I just assumed. My village mates thought I was crazy. But now, when we meet, they praise me after seeing the ‘crazy boy’ from Kwanza Village compete at the Paris Olympics and other global events,” he laughs.

After high school, he moved to Eldoret to live with his aunt. This was to help him participate in Athletics Kenya’s weekend track and field events. His performances caught the attention of Innoventures Sports Scholarship in Dubai.
Mr. Clements, a former Team GB Masters 400m hurdles champion, played a great role in securing Were’s scholarship. “The training was fantastic, and I liked everything at the college. I was in discussions about how I could change my citizenship when a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) call-up letter arrived. The letter and opportunity made me come back home and join KDF.”

International Achievements

Wiseman first joined Team Kenya for the 2021 World Athletics Relays in Silesia, Poland, where he won a bronze medal in the Shuttle Hurdles alongside Priscilla Tabunda, Michael Musyoka, and Rukia Nusra.

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, he competed in the 400m hurdles and helped the 4x400m relay team secure bronze.

Despite bowing out in the semifinals at the Paris Olympics, Wiseman remains focused on the 2025 World Championships.

“Kenya has great sprinters, but we lack proper support. Unlike long-distance runners who train on roads, sprinters need proper tracks and gyms. The Ministry of Sports must invest in accessible stadiums,” he emphasizes.

He also points out poor communication between athletes and officials as a major issue, referencing Kenya’s underwhelming performance at the 2023 World Championships due to misshape in communication and selection.

“Kenya is not just about long-distance running. We have talented athletes in sprints and field events too,” he says.

Major Career Achievements

Looking Ahead

Wiseman remains motivated, thanks to his supportive family.

“My wife expects nothing but victory from me, and my daughter’s happiness when I win pushes me harder,” he says.

Wiseman appreciates his employer Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), for allowing him time to train outside and with his long-time Coach Dennis Mwanzo who happens to be a military man too, he acknowledges the media and sponsors like BETIKA for supporting track and field events. ‘I believe without such stake holder, we would not be known’, Were says with a heavy burst of laugh.

When not training, Wiseman enjoys traveling, maintaining a strict diet, and watching movies.

His advice to upcoming athletes?

“Be patient, consistent, disciplined, and listen to your coach. No rush.”