Ferdinand Omanyala, widely known as Africa’s fastest man, has expressed deep appreciation and admiration for his wife’s unwavering support throughout his journey, particularly during the challenging times when he struggled to provide for their family.
The story of Laventa Amutavi and Omanyala began in 2016 at a humble kibandaski, a makeshift food stall, where an immediate connection was felt between them. However, it wasn’t until seven months later that Laventa reciprocated his feelings.
During this time, Laventa was pursuing a degree in social work at Moi University, while Omanyala was at the University of Nairobi. It was Laventa’s resilience and dedication that played a pivotal role in supporting their family financially during the early stages of Omanyala’s career, as he worked tirelessly to establish himself in the world of athletics.
While Omanyala was engaged in various commitments and still pursuing his education, Laventa worked diligently at Mama Lucy Hospital, contributing to their family’s financial well-being with her hard-earned salary. She even encouraged Omanyala to invest in his talent, urging him, “Ferdi, take this money and use it for your training and other needs.”
Despite Omanyala’s efforts, the financial rewards of being a national athlete were minimal, with winning a race earning him only Sh5,000. Recognizing the invaluable role his wife played, Omanyala acknowledged the significance of her contributions by providing substantial financial support.
Laventa’s unwavering faith in Omanyala and her belief in his dreams laid a strong foundation for their relationship. As Omanyala’s athletic career gained momentum, he garnered attention from admirers, but he remained steadfastly committed to his wife, disregarding advances from individuals with questionable intentions. He emphasized that he only engages with those who approach him with genuine and transparent intentions.
Omanyala’s social media managers carefully sift through his messages, presenting only the most relevant and significant ones to him. He maintains strict boundaries while staying focused on his career and family. Recognizing the temptations that come with sudden celebrity, Omanyala candidly admitted, “If I had an affair with every woman who expressed interest, I would have over 300 affairs.”
He expressed gratitude for the encouragement and attention he receives from women drawn to his success but reiterated his unwavering commitment to his wife, ensuring that he remains grounded in all his interactions.