Paris 2024: Commentator’s Mispronunciation of Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala Draws Outrage

 

Kenyan olympic team during the opening ceremony 

The Olympic opening ceremony took centre stage as Paris ushered in the multi-sport event in an unprecedented manner. This year’s global sporting spectacle, renowned for its captivating grandeur, set a new benchmark by hosting the opening ceremony outside a stadium for the first time. While the ceremony on the Seine River was executed with remarkable elegance and organisation, one incident drew notable attention. Trizah Atuka and Ferdinand Omanyala, Flagbearers of Team Kenya, are waving their flag along the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games on July 26, 2024. A video shared on social media by Larry Modowo showed an English TV presenter mispronouncing the name of Kenya’s flag bearer, Ferdinand Omanyala. The commentator, who had spoken about the Kenyan team’s achievements, mistakenly referred to him as “Ferdinald Omanpalyaya.” Though such pronunciation errors are not uncommon, Kenyan fans have expressed their displeasure on social media, with some even calling for an apology. Fans' react to mispronunciation of Omanyala @fwelloh, expressing frustration, wrote: “We, the people of Kenya, demand a formal apology!” @EugeneOngeri humorously inquired: “Who is Omanpayaya? 🤔🤔🤨” @Gibbo_2010, labelling the mispronunciation as egregious, commented: “Ferdinand Ompamayaya 😂 Criminal!” @AkangaFred, unable to contain his amusement, posted: “🤣🤣🤣🤣” @Gathoronjo1 made a lighthearted remark: “Oman 😂😂 Kenya should sue that lady.” @peterevance_ also shared his thoughts “Oma-l-pal-nyaya 😂😂😂 She has scattered that name buanaaaaaa.” @CLK54Original who appeared to laud her efforts posted: “🤣🤣 she tried 🤭” The 28-year-old athlete himself addressed the mispronunciation on social media, quoting a tweet with the correction: "It's Omanyala." With Kenya already out of the Rugby Sevens at the Olympics, they will be looking to secure medals with their strength in athletics. 

by  Ero Samson