Silverio Omari
The popular Kenyan wristband continues to make a global impact, as evidenced by a recent sighting of Tennis legend Serena Williams’ daughter wearing one. While in Paris, France, for the 2024 Olympics, Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, shared several heartwarming moments with their 7-year-old daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian, who was thrilled to be at the premier games.
In one of the videos shared, a keen-eyed fan noticed something distinctive around young Ohanian’s wrist—the recognizable Kenyan flag wristband. Taking to X, the fan pointed it out to Alexis Ohanian, Sr., asking if her observation was correct.
South Africa-based Kenyan Winnie Njuguna asked, “Where did she get this wristband? Looks like beadwork of the Kenyan flag…”
Ohanian quickly responded, confirming Njuguna’s observation and revealing that the bracelet was a gift from Kenyan players, whom his daughter was excited to meet.
“From some Kenyan players! She was so excited to meet them and ask for their pin (and they gave her an even better upgrade with that bracelet!),” he answered.
The bracelet’s popularity is well-documented, with film producer Faith Koli sharing her own experience. She mentioned that children outside Kenya are often fascinated by these bracelets, especially after Kenya performs well in athletic events.
“Kids away from home are really fascinated by these Kenyan bracelets. The athletics team kids in a former school we were in would come looking for my kid to ask if she could get them the bracelet, especially if a Kenyan won a marathon race. We have handed out dozens of them!” she wrote under Ohanian’s tweet.
The Kenyan bracelet has become a global phenomenon, admired by top athletes and celebrities alike. At the 2020 Tokyo games, US Olympian Sarah Sponcil received one as a gift from her Kenyan counterparts. She cherished it so much that when the US-based Christian charitable organization World Concern announced a long-term partnership with Sponcil to combat global poverty, she chose Kenya as her first destination.
The bracelet has even played a crucial role in more serious situations. During a visit to the Mandela House in Soweto, South Africa, renowned Kenyan journalist Sharon Barang’a found herself lost in a dangerous area during a time of heightened xenophobic tensions.
“I was scared of speaking out because there was some xenophobic tension, so I was thinking if I speak out, they can tell I am not South African. Because of that bracelet, another Kenyan lady spotted me, called me over, and helped me find my way back to my hotel,” Sharon recounted.
Dj Vnyash
