Dj Vnyash
President William Ruto has outlined why he believes Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen is the best fit for the Ministry of Sports. Ruto emphasized Murkomen’s extensive experience in athletics, noting his roots in Iten, a town known for its strong sporting culture.
Following a cabinet reshuffle where all cabinet secretaries were dismissed except for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Ruto appointed Murkomen to lead the sports docket, taking over from former CS Ababu Namwamba.
Upon Murkomen’s swearing-in, Ruto humorously remarked that he immediately sent him to Paris. “I’m confident that under your leadership, you’ll understand the sports fraternity’s needs, having been educated in Iten, where athletics is a significant part of life,” he stated.
Ruto joked that if Murkomen had participated in the Paris Olympics, he would have secured a fifth gold medal for Kenya in steeplechase, asking, “I don’t understand why we have four gold medals because the fifth one is missing, Mr. Murkomen.”
These comments were made during a grand reception in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, honoring Kenya’s Olympic champions, who returned from the Games. The medalists arrived in Eldoret on Thursday after flying in from Nairobi on the President’s jet. Kenya excelled at the Olympics, topping Africa’s medal tally with 11 medals—four gold, two silver, and five bronze—ranking 17th overall. Gold medals were won by Beatrice Chebet (5,000m and 10,000m), Emmanuel Wanyonyi (800m), and Faith Kipyegon (1,500m). Silver medals went to Ronald Kwemoi (5,000m) and Faith Kipyegon (5,000m), while bronze medals were earned by Mary Moraa (800m), Abraham Kibiwott (3,000m steeplechase), Faith Cherotich (3,000m steeplechase), Benson Kipruto (marathon), and Hellen Obiri (marathon).
During a breakfast event hosted by Ruto for the athletes, Murkomen addressed the criticism from social media users, stating that people often fail to appreciate the sacrifices athletes make to represent the country. He highlighted that being an athlete requires immense dedication and hard work, involving early mornings, dietary sacrifices, and limited comforts, akin to sleeping in small dormitory-style beds during training camps.
Murkomen asserted that the government intends to provide more substantial support for athletes, ensuring that their contributions can be traced and recognized. He acknowledged the criticism of the Kenyan team’s performance but emphasized the commitment to better support the athletes in the future.
Silverio Omari
