Jelimo: What Kibaki told me

Never in her wildest dreams could Olympic 800 metres champion Pamela Jelimo have ever imagined meeting the Kenyan Head of State, let alone enjoying an exclusive 20-minute private meeting with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in his office.

But on Wednesday, the police constable, Kenya’s latest celebrity had a private audience with President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to celebrate her earth-shattering (or is it track-shattering?) performance.

Her perfomance raked in close to Sh100 million from earnings, endorsements and prize money (including a one million dollar jackpot) from a brilliant season that will forever transform the modest Kiptamok Village in Kaptumo, Nandi South District.

Jelimo, who flew back home on Tuesday night, was at the President’s Harambee House office at about noon, went in for a 20-minute chat with the Head of State and emerged with the President and Prime Minister to acknowledge greetings from the public.

Overwhelming attention

“The President told me that he was happy with my achievement and also told me that the government would continue to advocate for the promotion of talent in the country in all sports,” the excited 18-year-old Jelimo said, obviously taken aback by the sudden overwhelming attention paid to her.

“The President also told me that he was happy due to the fact that I had made Kenya to be known more to the outside world.”

President Kibaki did not make any public remarks after his unusual appointment but Prime Minister Raila said Jelimo had proved to the world that nothing is impossible and that not even age can be a barrier to success.

“I’m pleased with Pamela’s victory as I know that it has put Kenya in a very important position. Our country has now become popular, thanks to the victory,” said Raila.

Sh3.55m cash awards

The Prime Minister said the superstar had thrown down the gauntlet for other young athletes to pick up the challenge.

Other than pocketing the $1m (Sh68 million) jackpot from winning the IAF Golden League series, Jelimo was presented with cash awards totalling Sh3.55 million by the government and various corporate.

The government gave Sh750,000 with Safaricom matching the government’s package and Barclays Bank and the Commissioner of Police each giving Sh250,000.

Others who offered incentives were Equity Bank (Sh200,000), businessman Ali Punjani (Sh100,000), Nakumatt Supermarkets (Sh100,000) and Kenya Pipeline Corporation (Sh100,000).

Blue Shield Company will give Jelimo a Life insurance cover worth Sh1 million while the Nairobi Sports House completes the list with a Sh20,000 reward.

Jelimo will fly to Eldoret for her home coming party to be held today at her village in Nandi South District. Last month at a state ceremony in Mombasa, President Kibaki rewarded Kenya’s other Olympians.

Jelimo is a constable in the Kenya Police and speaks about her occupation with a lot of pride.

“I will continue to serve in the police force for as long as I can be of service. You need a job in order to get somewhere in life. What would I do if, God forbid, I got an injury that puts me off the track?” posed Jelimo.