Kate Actress weighs in on athletes’ travel debate, calls for respect for Kenyan champions
Kenyan medallists will now fly business class after the government responded to public outcry over the treatment of Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir.
Evans Achoki, the Secretary for Administration at the State Department for Sports, confirmed the new arrangements.
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“The travel arrangements have been done, and we intend to fly all the medallists in business class… so that they can be rewarded for their good performance, and we believe this will motivate them to work harder,” Achoki told the media on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
The decision came after images circulated showing Jepchirchir, who recently won gold, squeezed into economy class on her return flight. Celebrities, including actresses Kate and Mwakideu, have joined the debate, calling for better treatment of the country’s sporting heroes.
Kate Actress expressed shock after learning that Jepchirchir and other medallists had not been booked in business class despite their achievements.
In her remarks on Instagram on Thursday, September 18, 2025, she asked why such an oversight happened in the first place and stressed that Kenya must do more to respect its champions. “They weren’t? We must do better for all our heroes, Jameni,” she wrote.
Her statement added to the growing conversation about how athletes are treated after bringing glory to the nation. Many see the situation as a reflection of how little value is placed on sportsmen and women despite their sacrifices.
Mwakideu’s reaction
Radio presenter Alex Mwakideu also voiced his frustration, pointing out how unfair it was for Jepchirchir to sit uncomfortably in economy class after such a remarkable achievement.
He described the situation vividly, noting that the athlete, a world-renowned marathoner and Olympic champion, was squeezed between seats on her return journey, saying, “Our champions deserve better. Kwani first class ni pesa ngapi? Jepchichir alirudi kama amepanda ndege, amekaa katika sehemu ya abiria wa kawaida, au anapenda economy class. Amefinywa pale kati kati, baada ya kushinda namba moja ulimwengu mzima?”
Mwakideu questioned why the government would allow such treatment, asking why ministers and officials could not ensure proper arrangements for athletes. He said the champions deserve dignity and comfort, especially after putting Kenya on the global map with their performances.
The debate has sparked broader conversations about how Kenya values its sports stars. While the government has since directed that medallists will fly business class going forward, the incident has left questions about planning, recognition, and respect.
Many are calling for structures that consistently celebrate and honour athletes, not only after public pressure.
Kate Actress and Mwakideu’s voices have added weight to the public demand for change, making it clear that national heroes should be treated with the dignity they deserve from the start.
