The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, has welcomed home Kenya’s police athletes fresh from their triumph at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The athletes arrived in Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon to a warm reception at Vigilance House, the National Police Service headquarters. Lagat received them on behalf of the Inspector General, Douglas Kanja.
Among the returnees was Corporal Beatrice Chebet, who stunned the world by winning gold in both the 5,000m and 10,000m. “Her performance is nothing short of historic,” said Lagat, as he confirmed Chebet had been recommended for promotion to the rank of Sergeant.
The Tokyo squad included a strong technical team led by Senior Superintendent Catherine Kagwiria, with coaches, trainers and medical staff. They were joined by a cheering section from the General Service Unit, headed by Corporal Michael Maina.
Faith Kipyegon, fresh from defending her world and Olympic titles over 1,500m, also travelled with the delegation. Other familiar names in the group were marathon legend Abel Kirui and former sprinter Ambassador Rose Tata.
Kenya closed the championships with 11 medals: seven gold, two silver and two bronze. Lagat praised the entire team, noting their success reflected months of discipline and preparation. “This victory belongs to every athlete, coach, and member of staff who stood behind the flag,” he said.
The police chief urged senior athletes to mentor the next generation. He also reminded them of the need to protect Kenya’s name on the global stage by adhering strictly to anti-doping rules.
For Kenya’s police force, athletics is more than just sport. It has become a source of pride, identity and global recognition. Chebet and her teammates, Lagat suggested, represent both the discipline of service and the resilience of a nation.
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