Okoko eyes historic Commonwealth Games judo medal

The Commonwealth Games will be held from July 23 to August 2, 2026 in the multi-sport event that will feature around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing in 10 core sports.

Okoko, a 23-year-old Kenya Prisons officer, heads into the games on the back of an impressive rise through the national ranks highlighted by a strong performance at the 2024 African Games.

“I take pride in judo because, through this sport, I secured a job with Kenya Prisons. Were it not for this sport, I might have remained a street boy, but judo has elevated me to the level of a national team athlete,” said Okoko.

Now firmly focused on Glasgow, Okoko is targeting a historic achievement by winning Kenya's first Commonwealth Games Judo medal as he looks to cement his place among the country's top martial arts players.

“I'm working extremely hard and I know I will succeed, even though I realize we will face talented players of Arab and African descent; this won't be a new experience, as we have played against them often and consistently beaten them.

"The good thing is that we are well-prepared for this encounter, having started our training camp early, and I am confident I won't return to Kenya empty-handed," added Okoko.

Beyond the medals, Okoko says his journey has become a source of inspiration to many young people from his former neighbourhood.

“On the other hand, I'm very happy because when I go on social media, I come across messages from friends I used to know in the neighborhood saying they wish to be like me because I inspire them. 

"People know the environment I used to live in compared to my current one—they are completely different—and I do not want to go back to that; that is why I am working even harder so I don't fail in my sports career.

As Kenya finalises its preparations for Glasgow, Okoko will be hoping his remarkable journey from the streets to the national team ends with a historic Commonwealth Games medal for the country.