Kenya has claimed its first gold medal at the 2025 East African Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) Athletics Championship in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The victory came in the men’s 4×400m relay event, which served as a curtain-raiser for the highly anticipated championship and was celebrated with immense pride by Team Kenya, whose athletes are drawn from the National Police Service.

In a thrilling race that captivated the stadium, Kenya’s relay team – consisting of 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist William Rayian, Kipkorir Rotich, Erastus Mbaruka, and Eric Kimathi – powered through the final leg to take gold.

Their victory saw them beat Ethiopia, which took home the silver, and Tanzania, which secured the bronze. The atmosphere was electric as the Kenyan athletes crossed the line, their victory sparking loud cheers from spectators.

In a post on X on Monday, April 28, 2025, the National Police Service [NPS] shared the exhilarating news, hailing the victory as a proud moment for the team and the country.

MOMENT OF PRIDE AS KENYA BAGS 1ST GOLD IN ETHIOPIA

As the hunt for medals gains momentum at Ethiopia's Abebe Bikili National Stadium where 7 EAPCCO member countries have met for a show of speed and stamina, Kenya made a crucial statement in a curtainraiser event Sunday afternoon… pic.twitter.com/kSbG1OAjUI

— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) April 28, 2025

“This victory is just the beginning,” the post read. “Our eyes are now set on winning more medals across other disciplines such as boxing, handball, darts, track, and shooting.”

Kenya’s success in the 4×400m relay marked a significant achievement for the country’s athletics scene.

The NPS added that Team Kenya, drawn from the National Police Service, has pledged unwavering commitment and high morale, determined to keep their quest for medals alive until they claim the top spot on the podium.

In particular, the team is looking to make a strong showing in darts and boxing, aiming to dominate these high-energy disciplines and bring home additional accolades. The National Police Service have expressed confidence in their athletes, who are eager to continue their winning streak and secure a place at the top in both individual and team events.

“Team Kenya,, drawn from the National Police Service, has pledged high morale until her thirst for more medals and the highest spot on the awarding podium is quenched on the track, and in darts, boxing, handball and indeed, shooting.”

The triumph is also seen as a proud moment for the National Police Service, which has a long-standing history of excellence in athletics.

EAPCCO games kick off

According to the NPS, the games, now in their fifth edition, officially kicked off on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in a colourful ceremony officiated by the country’s Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Temesgen Tiruneh, at Abebe Bikila Stadium.

In a similar post on X, the NPS confirmed that seven member states would battle it out for trophies and major accolades in the event, with this year’s theme being ‘Sharing Best Practices and Experience in Police Organisations Through Sports.’

“Seven member states are participating in the regional event, including Rwanda, Djibouti, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and the host, Ethiopia. The theme of this year’s tournament is ‘Sharing Best Practices and Experience in Police Organisations Through Sports’,” the NPS statement read in part.

GAME ON! EAPCCO GAMES KICK OFF IN ADDIS ABABA

The 5th Edition of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) games has commenced today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, an event whose opening was officiated by the country's Deputy Prime Minister H.E Temesgen… pic.twitter.com/gpJYApjOq3

— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) April 27, 2025

Ethiopia’s prime minister also took a moment to address the participants at the opening ceremony, stressing that the ongoing participation of countries from the region has played a crucial role in strengthening regional peace.

He further underlined the importance of viewing the event as indispensable, saying it helps combat critical threats like terrorism and transnational organised crimes in invaluable ways.

“Speaking to an audience that filled the 25,000-capacity stadium for a spectacular show of speed and mental strength, H.E. Tiruneh lauded the participating countries for being at the forefront of uniting the region through sports, emphasising that terrorism and transnational organised crimes must be brought to their knees through concerted efforts,” the NPS statement added.

Also present during the opening ceremony was Mr Bosco Gahigi, Head of the Regional Counter Terrorism Centre of Excellence based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Gahigi highlighted that since the games were launched in 2013, there has been noticeable progress in combating terrorism, and he praised East African Community (EAC) countries like Kenya and Uganda for setting the pace for other countries.

“Meanwhile, Mr Gahigi noted that EAPCCO’s inception in 2013 aimed at strengthening partnerships and collaboration in fighting terrorism and transnational organised crimes, with Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda leading the way in this endeavour,” the NPS statement concluded.