Kenyans call for Omanyala recognition as Timothy Cheruiyot earns promotion for Olympics exploits

Timothy Cheruiyot, the 1,500M Olympics silver medalist is now a Senior Superintendent of Prisons, a promotion he earned following his exploits in the recently-concluded Tokyo Games.

The promotion from Chief Inspector of Prison was confirmed by President Uhuru Kenyatta who hosted the triumphant Team Kenya at State House, Mombasa.

Following this, Kenyans have taken to social media to ask for a similarly motivating incentive by the State on sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala, who twice broke the national 100 metres record at the Games before missing the final by a whisker.

President Kenyatta received Team Kenya on Monday in Mombasa where he announced cash rewards of KSh1 million, KSh750, 000 and KSh500, 000 for Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists respectively.

The Head of State further announced a uniform token of KSh200, 000 for all athletes and officials, including the Paralympics team, currently participating in the delayed Summer Games.

The President thanked the Olympians for their outstanding performances that saw Kenya top the African medal chart, pointing out that the team’s success had once again demonstrated Kenya’s sporting prowess.

“We are here to celebrate your victory which is Kenya’s victory. And we are here to congratulate you, to say how proud we are of your performances as individuals and as a team,” President Kenyatta said.

Kenya ruled the African continent with 10 medals – four gold, four silver and two bronze – emerging 19^th globally, with USA topping the world chart ahead of China, who finished second.