Kenya’s triumph at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo has drawn nationwide celebration, with President William Ruto leading leaders and citizens in hailing Faith Cherotich’s gold medal and Reynold Cheruiyot’s bronze medal performances.

President Ruto took to his official X account on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, to congratulate Cherotich for delivering a historic victory in the women’s 3000m steeplechase. He praised her performance as an inspiration to millions of Kenyans.

“Congratulations, Faith Cherotich, on your outstanding victory in the women’s 3000m Steeplechase at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. This victory raises Kenya’s gold medal count to four,” Ruto posted.

He described the victory as a symbol of resilience and determination.

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“This remarkable achievement is a powerful reminder that with discipline, courage, and focus, greatness is within reach. Your triumph inspires every Kenyan to believe in their potential and to chase their dreams with unyielding determination. Kenya celebrates you, Cherotich, as a champion who embodies our spirit of resilience and ambition,” he stated..

The Head of State also extended his praise to Reynold Cheruiyot, who clinched bronze in the men’s 1500m final.

“Well done, Reynold Cheruiyot, for winning bronze in the men’s 1500m at the World Championships in Tokyo. Your performance was exceptional and showed true grit and determination in bringing this medal home for Kenya. We salute your dedication and celebrate you as a source of pride and inspiration to our nation,” he said.

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Cherotich, just 21, stormed to gold in a championship record time of 8:51.59, beating Olympic and world champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain. Her victory marked Kenya’s fourth gold medal at the championships, cementing the country’s dominance in middle and long-distance running.

Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen was among the first leaders to congratulate Cherotich, describing her win as a moment of pride for the nation.

“Big congratulations, Faith Cherotich, on your incredible triumph in Tokyo in the 3000m steeplechase and earning us our fourth gold in the World Athletics Championships. Your fighting spirit embodies our country’s resilience and determination, and we cannot be prouder of your achievement. Hongera sana,” Murkomen wrote.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also celebrated Cherotich’s success, highlighting the magnitude of her performance on the global stage.

“Golden Run! Kenya strikes again on the global stage as Faith Cherotich storms to victory in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, clocking a championship record of 8:51.59. At just 21, Cherotich powers home Kenya’s 4th GOLD in Tokyo 2025, a testament to grit, talent, and hard work. Congratulations, Faith!” Wetang’ula posted.

Cherotich’s win adds to her rising reputation after earning bronze at the last World Championships and the 2024 Olympics. Her Tokyo victory not only dethroned Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi but also underlined Kenya’s depth in athletics, with Doris Lemngole finishing fifth in the same race.

For Kenya, the celebrations are about more than medals; they are about unity and national pride. Ruto, Murkomen, and Wetang’ula’s praise reflects the country’s admiration for young athletes who continue to carry the flag high on the global stage.

Faith Cherotich’s golden run and Reynold Cheruiyot’s bronze medal have now become defining moments of Tokyo 2025, ensuring Kenya’s legacy as an athletics powerhouse remains untouchable.