Champs who put Kenya on global map in Beijing arrive in style

The sight of Deputy President William Ruto sprinting to the runway at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport yesterday morning, told the whole story.

The heroes, the conquerors of Beijing had touched down to a red carpet welcome.

And just like men and women danced in the traditional African setting, so the drums were beaten for the Kenyan team, who vanquished athletics powerhouses United States of America and Jamaica, to cart home seven gold, six silver and three bronze medals.

DP William Ruto (second right) and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos (left) race to meet the triumphant Team Kenya which jetted back yesterday from Beijing.

(PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO /STANDARD)

At hand to receive them were Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario, senators Mike Sonko and Kipchumba Murkomen, Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu among others Mobile communication giant Safaricom, the official sponsor of Team Kenya, has honoured the team to the just-concluded 15th edition of the IAAF World Championships in Beijing China, with Sh5 million for its prowess.

IAAF World Javelin Champion Julius Yego holds his son upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport from Beijing on Sep 1, 2015. (PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO /STANDARD)

The team was awarded at a luncheon hosted for the athletes at KICC upon arrival yesterday.

Speaking at the luncheon, Safaricom’s Director for Strategy and Innovation Joseph Ogutu said, “It’s because of your hard work, discipline and determination to win that we are today celebrating your achievements.

“Your performance in Beijing was outstanding, and the sense of pride you have inspired in this nation once again cannot be adequately described.” Ogutu added: “Over the years, we have seen athletics grow tremendously, building on the foundation put in place by athletic greats such as Kipchoge Keino and Tegla Loroupe to ensure we remain world leaders.”

Meanwhile, Deputy President William Ruto has announced plans to criminalise doping, adds AFP.

“At the executive level, we have been seized of this matter of doping,” Ruto said.

“We will be discussing this matter in the Cabinet shortly. We want to put in place measures to elevate the (Kenyan) anti-doping agency and give it a legal framework so that it is backed by law to make it an offence,” he added. Ruto spoke when he received Team Kenya yesterday.