MPs hail Kenya’s historic feat at World Championships

In a communication to the house Tuesday, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula lauded the athletes for their exemplary display of resilience, talent, and patriotism, noting that their performance not only elevated Kenya’s standing in global athletics but also renewed national pride.

Kenya clinched an impressive 11 medals; 7 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze; finishing second overall among participating nations and topping the African continent.

The gold medals came courtesy of Lilian Odira (800m), Emmanuel Wanyonyi (800m), Faith Kipyegon (1,500m), Faith Cherotich (3,000m steeplechase), Beatrice Chebet (5,000m & 10,000m), and Peres Jepchirchir (marathon).

The Speaker highlighted the historic triumphs of Odira and Wanyonyi, who both set new championship records in their respective 800m races.

He also singled out Kenya’s female athletes, who delivered a clean sweep of all women’s events, a first in world championship history.

“Kenya became the first country to win gold medals in all women’s races at the Championships. This is a monumental achievement that cements our place as a global athletics powerhouse,” Wetang’ula declared.

Silver medals were secured by Faith Kipyegon (5,000m) and Dorcas Ewoi (1,500m), while Edmund Serem (3,000m steeplechase) and Reynold Cheruiyot (1,500m) bagged bronze.

The Speaker announced that Parliament would set aside 45 minutes during Tuesday’s proceedings to allow members to convey their felicitations, beginning with the Chair of the Sports and Culture Committee, House leadership, and Nandi MP Cynthia Muge, who represents the constituency of several of the medallists.

Wetang’ula further urged legislators to celebrate not only the medal winners but also all athletes who flew the Kenyan flag high, describing their efforts as a source of unity and patriotism.

Beyond the Tokyo triumph, the Speaker turned attention to regional sports diplomacy, urging members to prepare for Kenya’s participation in the 15th East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games, scheduled for December in Kampala, Uganda.

“These games are not just about trophies but about integration and parliamentary solidarity,” Wetang’ula noted, while challenging lawmakers to improve on what he termed as underwhelming performances in past editions.

The Speaker’s address doubled as a welcome note as the House resumed sittings for the third and final part of the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth Parliament.

Priority agenda items include the vetting of nominees to state and diplomatic offices, as well as appointments to key constitutional and political offices, including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.

“As we embark on this final stretch of the session, let us remain committed to diligence, integrity, and service above self,” Wetang’ula told members.