President Ruto Rewards Kenya’s Olympic Medalists

By Eagle Eye News24

President William Ruto has delivered a sharp rebuttal to critics of Team Kenya’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, countering the negative commentary with a grand reward for the athletes.

At a spirited breakfast meeting at the Eldoret State Lodge on Thursday, August 15, the President awarded a total of Ksh19.75 million to the team, recognising their outstanding achievements.

Kenya emerged as the 17th-best performing nation globally and topped the African continent, securing 11 medals—four gold, two silver, and five bronze. Despite these impressive results, the team faced criticism back home, with some questioning their performance on the global stage.

Visibly energised, President Ruto did not hold back his pride in the team’s accomplishments. “You did not disappoint,” he asserted, emphasising his satisfaction with their performance. 

He continued, “I am very proud this morning, almost emotional, that these sportsmen and women are making our country great.” 

Leading the honours list was Beatrice Chebet, who received Ksh6 million for her extraordinary achievement of winning two gold medals. Chebet’s victories in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters events have not only earned her national recognition but also saw her promoted to the rank of Corporal within the National Police Service.

Faith Kipyegon, another shining star of the Paris 2024 Olympics, was awarded Ksh5 million. Kipyegon’s performance saw her clinch gold in the 1,500 meters and silver in the 5,000 meters, further cementing her status as one of Kenya’s premier athletes.

Youngster Emmanuel Wanyonyi, at just 20 years old, also received Ksh3 million for his historic win in the 800 meters. Wanyonyi’s victory made him the youngest Olympic champion in the history of the event, a feat that drew praise from the President.

Ronald Kwemoi, who secured a silver medal in the men’s 5,000 meters event, was awarded Ksh2 million. 

Other medalists, including Benson Kipruto, Abraham Kibiwot, Mary Moraa, Hellen Obiri, and Faith Cherotich, each received Ksh750,000 for their contributions to Kenya’s medal tally.

The athletes are also entitled to Ksh3,000 per day as local allowance, while in camp and overseas daily allowance of about Ksh38,400.

The President’s awards were not just a response to the team’s performance but also a strong message to those who had criticised them. 

This is not the first time the President has shown such generosity. Last year, he awarded Faith Kipyegon the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (E.G.H), the country’s highest civilian honour, during the 60th anniversary of Jamhuri Day.

In June 2023, Kipyegon was further rewarded with Ksh5 million and a three-bedroom house worth Ksh6 million after breaking two world records. 

President Ruto has consistently demonstrated his support for Kenyan athletes, announcing that the government would award Ksh5 million to any athlete who breaks a world record.