Ruto applauds Olympic gold medallist for strengthening Kenya-Japan ties
President William Ruto has applauded the first Kenyan marathoner who lived and trained in Japan while hailing the deep-rooted sports partnership between Kenya and Japan, celebrating it as a powerful tool for fostering people-to-people ties and cultural diplomacy.
Ruto made his remarks on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, during the Yokohama City Assembly in Japan. At the time, Ruto paid special tribute to Douglas Wakiihuri, the first Kenyan marathoner to live, train, and work in Japan, lauding him as a trailblazer whose journey opened doors for generations of Kenyan athletes.
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“Sports is another powerful channel of connection between Kenya and Japan; since the 1980s, our athletic ties have flourished,” Ruto said.
He also added, “I pay tribute to Douglas Wakiihuri, the legendary Kenyan marathoner who paved the trail as the first Kenyan athlete to train and work in Japan.”
On his part, Ruto noted that Wakiihuri’s legacy now lives on through more than 200 Kenyan athletes currently engaged in Japanese sporting institutions.
“His example inspires hundreds of other athletes to follow in his footsteps. Today, more than 200 Kenyan athletes are engaged in Japanese sporting institutions, strengthening people-to-people ties and inspiring new generations,” Ruto added.
In addition, the Head of State also noted that Wakiihuri’s success story is a remarkable story of shared sporting passion and excellence.
Likewise, Ruto invited Japanese sporting clubs in rugby, volleyball, football, and other disciplines to explore and invest in Kenya’s vast pool of talent and expertise.
“I want to encourage Japanese sporting clubs in rugby, volleyball, football and other disciplines to explore Kenya’s pool of talent and expertise,” Ruto added.
Wakiihuri’s work in Kibera
Worth noting, the Olympian Wakiihuri is a Kenyan who joined the Olympians Reunion Centre by EY in Rio to spread the word of Olympism in action.
During a past interview with an international media house, Douglas highlighted his passion for passing over sports culture to children living in the slum areas.
Meanwhile, he has dedicated a number of years of his life to helping others. The former world marathon champion, who claimed silver at the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games before also going on to win both the London and New York marathons, works with disadvantaged children in Kenya, training and mentoring kids from the Kibera neighbourhood in Nairobi, one of the largest urban slums in Africa.
He has set up the Kibera running club as well as a nursery and primary school that offers children a better start in life by creating opportunities for them to integrate with other communities and gain new experiences through sport.
“The slum mentality is very difficult to overcome,” Wakiihuri said. “But when they are given opportunities in a different environment, using sport as a common ground, and offered a better education system, they can become more integrated and see that there is more than just the area where they were raised.
“Let’s see what they can show us when given the right opportunities. We must be there for them, give them a hand, and direct them. We believe sport is for everyone, and we, as Olympians, should work as ambassadors to do that and visit every slum and tap the young talent that can be seen in the children.” Douglas added.
