Uhuru, Raila congratulate Kemboi, Cheruiyot

President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Monday took to social media to congratulate Ezekiel Kemboi and Vivian Cheruiyot for winning World titles in Beijing, China.

Also to hail the athletes’ performances were Deputy President William Ruto and cabinet secretary for East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Ms Phyllis Kandie.

Kemboi made history for not only leading compatriots to a sweep of the first four places but also for claiming his fourth consecutive 3,000m steeplechase titles in 8 minutes 11.28 seconds.

Conseslus Kipruto settled for silver in 2:12.38 while the 2008 Beijing Olympic champion Brimin Kipruto bronze in 8:12.54. Diamond League champion Jairus Birech (8:12.62) closed the top four vanguard for Kenya.

But it’s Cheruiyot, fondly known as Pocket Rocket, who gave Kenya its first gold at the Championships when she reclaimed the 10,000m title she last won in 2011 Daegu.

Cheruiyot, who failed to defend both her 5,000m and 20,00m at the 2013 Moscow Worlds after taking a maternity leave, clocked a triumphant 31:41.31.

The performances came after Geoffrey Kamworor and Paul Tanui won Kenya silver and bronze medals in men’s 10,000m on Saturday.

The victories saw Kenya led the medal standings after the third day of the championships with two gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

“Join me in congratulating Vivian Cheruiyot on bagging Kenya its first Gold Medal in the 10,000m race; and Ezekiel Kemboi, Conseslus Kipruto, Brimin Kipruto and Jairus Birech for the clean sweep in the 3000m steeplechase during the IAAF World Championships 2015 in Beijing,” said the Kenyatta in his Facebook and Twitter handle.

“Vivian Cheruiyot us proud winning Kenya's first gold medal in the World Athletics Championships,” Odinga said on his social media status. “Hongera Ezekiel Kemboi for taking his fourth world title in a row and to #TeamKenya for the amazing 3000m steeplechase performance!”

Ruto said the athletes displayed the spirit of champions. “That's the spirit of Kenya,” said Ruto.

Kandie said the athletes have once again reaffirm their status as Kenya’s brand ambassadors. “It is always a joyous moment seeing our sports men and women parade Kenya’s glory on the global stage.

The Worlds in Beijing has not been an exception,” said Kandie.

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