Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya led the nation in celebration, on the men’s 5000m at the just completed Tokyo Deaflympics.

In a statement on Monday, November 24, 2025, Mvurya noted that Kenya had set a new world record in the Deaflympics: “Kenya sets new world record as it takes a clean sweep in the men’s 5,000m at the Tokyo Deaflympics.”

Mvurya has praised Ian Wambui Kahinga for his record-breaking 5,000m victory, saying the extraordinary performance has once again placed Kenya at the pinnacle of global athletics.

“Congratulations Ian Wambui Kahinga, the new 5,000m World champion and record holder, shattering both the Deaflympics and World Records set in 2013. His extraordinary performance has once again placed Kenya at the pinnacle of global athletics.”

The CS also recognised the full podium: “We also celebrate the exceptional achievement of James Mwanza Musembi, who claimed the silver medal, and Nelson Rotich, who secured the bronze, completing an all-Kenyan podium.” The sweep pushed Kenya’s medal haul at the Tokyo Games to 14: 5 gold, 5 silver and 4 bronze. “Kenya’s medal tally now stands at 14: 5 gold, 5 silver and 4 bronze. Hongera Champs and keep at it!,” the Cabinet Secretary added.

Record-breaking performance

Kenya delivered one of the most dominant performances in Deaflympics history when Ian Wambui Kahinga, James Mwanza Musembi and Nelson Kipkorir Rotich swept all three medals in the men’s 5,000 metres final at the 25th Summer Deaflympics.

The 24-year-old Ian Wambui Kahinga led from the front, crossing the line in a sensational 13:52.83 to shatter the previous Deaflympics and world deaf record of 14:02.90 set by countryman Symon Kibai in 2013.

The Nyahururu-based runner, who had already won the 10,000m gold earlier in the Games, became the first Kenyan to simultaneously hold both the Deaflympics and world deaf records in the 5,000m.

Speaking immediately after the historic victory, an elated Ian Wambui Kahinga said: “This is a dream come true. Breaking the world record was my ultimate goal. We worked as a team, and I’m proud that Kenya owns the entire podium.”

Kenya’s continued dominance

The race took place at the Komazawa Olympic Park Stadium as part of the Deaflympics running from 15–26 November 2025, an event that marks 101 years since the inaugural Games were staged in Paris in 1924.

The clean sweep continues Kenya’s long-standing dominance in distance running events at the Deaflympics and underlines the depth of talent within the country’s deaf athletics programme.

With several days of competition still remaining, Kenya remains firmly on course for one of its most successful Deaflympics campaigns ever. The impressive performance not only boosts national pride but also highlights the sustained excellence of Kenyan athletes on the global stage.