President Ruto rolls out the red carpet for heroic athletes after conquering Tokyo Worlds

Kenya’s Tokyo 2025 World Championships team received a red carpet treat and heroic reception at State House Nairobi, with President William Ruto leading the nation in celebrating their outstanding performance that delivered 11 medals — seven golds, two silvers, and two bronzes — cementing Kenya’s place as a global athletics powerhouse.

In his address, President Ruto praised the athletes’ discipline and resilience, describing them as “role models for the nation”.

“Kenyans, especially the young people, reminded the world that ours is a nation rich in talent, discipline, and resilience. You are not just athletes, you are role models, ambassadors of Kenya, and torchbearers of our national pride. As we celebrate your victories, let us also remember that discipline, resilience, and unity are the two gold medals that inspire,” President Ruto said.

Kenya’s campaign in Tokyo saw the country finish second overall, only behind the United States, marking the third-best performance in the nation’s history at the World Championships. The highlight was a stunning display by the women’s team, who swept all distance events from 800m to the marathon.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, who accompanied the team in Japan, reflected on the emotional moments that defined Kenya’s dominance.

“I was there together with the chair of the parliamentary committee on sports, and I can tell you, Your Excellency, it was very emotional, when Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon were leading the team. We all felt the Kenyan spirit,” Mvurya said, while pledging more government support for athletics.

Tokyo 2025 produced record-breaking performances. Beatrice Chebet completed a remarkable double in the 5,000m and 10,000m. Faith Kipyegon won her fourth world 1,500m crown, and added silver in the 5,000m, while Lilian Odira shattered a 42-year-old championships record in the women’s 800m. Peres Jepchirchir clinched the marathon gold, Faith Cherotich reclaimed the steeplechase title with a new record, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi became Kenya’s only male gold medalist with victory in the 800m.

Kipyegon, who remains the face of Kenyan athletics, expressed gratitude to stakeholders while also humorously urging male athletes to step up.

“Thank you to the ministry, to Athletics Kenya, and to Ambassador Moi Lemoshira in Tokyo, who even ensured Wanyonyi got his Ugali. But men, you have to pull your socks up. We came back home with six gold medals from the women’s side and only one from the men,” she said.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emphasized the unifying power of sports and its importance in placing Kenya on the global map.

“Nothing unites Kenya more than sports. Nothing profiles Kenya globally more than sports. Athletics has been our number one sport, giving us respect and dignity around the world,” he remarked.

The Tokyo campaign will go down as one of Kenya’s greatest, with the athletes now turning their focus to the 2027 edition and the road to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.