Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that President William Ruto will host a grand reception at State House, Nairobi, to honor Team Kenya for their remarkable achievements at the Paris Olympics.
The celebration comes in the wake of Kenyan athletes winning a total of 11 medals, showcasing their excellence on the global stage. On Tuesday night, the first group of athletes, including three-time 1500m Olympic gold medalist and team captain Faith Kipyegon, double gold medalist Beatrice Chebet, and 800m runner Koitatoi Kidali, arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and were warmly welcomed by CS Murkomen.
Expressing his pride, Murkomen shared on his X account:
“Thrilled to join fellow Kenyans in welcoming back our Team Kenya athletes at JKIA after their stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This initial group, featuring team captain Faith Kipyegon, double gold medalist Beatrice Chebet, and 800m runner Koitatoi Kidali, has secured a total of 11 medals—4 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze—making Kenya the top African nation and placing us 17th globally.”
Early this morning, Wednesday, August 14th, the final group of Team Kenya athletes arrived home. This group, led by 800m gold medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi, marathon bronze medalist Benson Kipruto, and 5000m silver medalist Ronald Kwemoi, was also received with great enthusiasm.
President Ruto will host the team on Thursday, August 15th, at State House. Murkomen highlighted the importance of their achievements, saying: “Our athletes have brought immense pride to our nation, earning us the top spot in Africa and 17th globally—an extraordinary accomplishment. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our athletes who competed with such dedication. Each one of them is a hero. Tomorrow, H.E. President William Samoei Ruto will honor their remarkable achievements with a grand reception, with further accolades to follow.”
On Tuesday afternoon, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula led Members of Parliament in celebrating Team Kenya’s accomplishments. Speaker Wetangula encouraged MPs to show their appreciation with a one-minute standing ovation, recognizing the athletes’ heroic efforts at the 30th Summer Games.
