Acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, has promoted athlete Beatrice Chebet in the National Police Service (NPS).

In a statement on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, NPS confirmed that Masengeli has promoted Chebet to the rank of Corporal on merit.

The promotion follows a stellar performance by the athlete where she scooped two gold medals in the just concluded Paris Olympic Games.

The 5000m champion Beatrice Chebet accomplished her double golden glory by winning the 10,000m at the Paris 2024 Games on Friday, August 9, 2024.

Just four days after striking gold in the 5000m final, Olympic debutant Chebet emerged victorious in the women’s 10,000m in 30:43.25 at the Stade de France.

Beatrice’s performance catapulted Kenya to the top of the medal chart in Africa.

The athlete attributed her success at the Paris Games to self-belief and perseverance.

Chebet who was addressing the media after landing in the country on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, said that making history as the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic gold in the women’s 10,000m did not happen magically but was a consequence of many months of hard work.

“It is not easy being a debutant at the Olympics and even going on to win two gold medals. It was not easy at all but it is just a matter of believing in yourself and persevering. You need to be disciplined and hardworking and get all the support you need from your coach, family members and friends,” Chebet stated.

Kibiwot also promoted

Chebet was promoted alongside Abraham Kibiwot to the rank of Corporal. Kibiwot won a Bronze medal in the men’s 3000m steeplechase.

Speaking during the promotion ceremony, the acting Inspector General of Police Masengeli lauded the athletes for the discipline and commitment which steered them to success.

Masengeli also challenged them to inspire the rest and keep off malpractices especially doping.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat similarly affirmed that the exploits by NPS Officers in both track and field are a clear indication of NPS’s commitment to promoting sports in the Service, and commended the athletes and their technical team.

The ceremony was attended by Timothy Wanyonyi who grabbed a gold medal in 800, Mary Moraa who secured a Bronze in 800m and Senior Seargent Yego (Javeline).

“Among the 11 medals that Kenya received in the Paris Olympics, four were bagged by NPS Officers. Kenya became position 1 in Africa and 17 in the world in the Olympics,” NPS stated.