Ruto weeps! President gets emotional as he awards Kenya’s outstanding athletes
By Paulette Mboga, October 2, 2025President William Ruto became emotional on Thursday during a reception at State House, Nairobi, to celebrate Kenya’s athletes who shone at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan.
Ruto, while addressing the team on Thursday, October 2, 2025, paused briefly as he struggled to hold back tears and admitted the moment carried deep emotions.
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“You have to forgive me; this… this is a very emotional moment. I don’t know why. And we must say congratulations to these people. Tuwapigie makofi,” he said.
Kenya emerged second overall at the global event, finishing with a total of 11 medals—seven gold, two silver, and two bronze—beating 196 other countries. Ruto said this was a historic achievement that confirmed Kenya’s status as an athletics powerhouse.
Athletes praised
The Head of State praised the athletes for their resilience and discipline, noting that their performance reflects Kenya’s spirit of excellence. He said their victory was a reminder that the country should never settle for average.
“To be the second best in the whole world is no mean achievement. This is an achievement we celebrate with pride. Like our athletes, we do not settle for average. We aspire for excellence,” Ruto said.
The event at the State House was attended by top government officials, sports administrators, and family members of the medal-winning athletes.
Govt pledge on housing
The President also announced a government reward for the medalists. He pledged that the state will cover half the cost of affordable houses for the Tokyo medallists.
“I want to confirm that just like we did for the CHAN players, the seven medalists will also benefit. The Government of Kenya is going to pay for half of the house of your choice. You choose the house, we pay half, and you pay the other half,” he stated.
The athletes set to benefit include gold medal winners Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, Peres Jepchirchir, Lilian Odira, Faith Cherotich, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Dorcus Ewoi, and steeplechase bronze medallist Edmund Serem.
Kenya’s performance in Tokyo has once again positioned the country among the leading nations in athletics, with the government promising continued support for sports development.