Ruto congratulates Kenya’s steeplechase champions after Commonwealth Games podium sweep
By William Muthama, July 28, 2026President William Ruto has congratulated Kenya’s men’s 3,000m steeplechase team after they delivered a historic clean sweep at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the Head of State praised Edmund Serem, Simon Kiprop Koech and Leonard Kipkemoi Bett for securing all three podium places in one of Kenya’s signature athletics events.
“A magnificent podium sweep by Kenya’s men’s 3,000m steeplechase team at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, is a proud moment for our nation,” Ruto wrote.
The president singled out gold medallist Edmund Serem for leading the charge, while also applauding Simon Kiprop Koech and Leonard Kipkemoi Bett for completing the all-Kenyan podium finish.
“Congratulations to Edmund Serem for leading Kenya to a dominant victory and further cementing our unrivalled legacy in the event. Well done to Simon Kiprop Koech and Leonard Kipkemoi Bett for securing second and third places respectively. We are proud of your outstanding achievement and the honour you have brought to our nation. Asanteni sana,” he added.
Kenya dominates steeplechase once again
Serem produced a superb finish to win gold in a time of 8:18.23, narrowly beating Monaco Diamond League champion Simon Koech, who claimed silver in 8:18.59. Leonard Bett completed the memorable 1-2-3 finish for Kenya after clocking 8:21.63 to secure bronze.
The victory marked the seventh time Kenya has swept the podium in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase at the Commonwealth Games, having previously achieved the feat in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018.
Serem seals victory with late surge
The race began with Canadian athletes setting the early pace before Leonard Bett moved to the front, with Koech soon joining him among the leaders.
Serem remained patient in the early stages, sitting in sixth place before gradually moving through the field.
With two laps remaining, the Kenyan trio had established themselves at the front of the race. Bett briefly took the lead before Koech responded, setting up a thrilling finish.
Serem then made his decisive move on the final lap, surging past his teammates and holding off Koech in the closing metres to claim the gold medal as Bett crossed the line in third, completing another historic day for Kenyan athletics.