Ruto hands Faith Kipyegon a house, Sh5 million after world record achievement

By Peter Ochieng

Athlete Faith Kipyegon was overwhelmed with emotion on Tuesday morning, during her visit to State House, Nairobi.

Fresh from breaking world records in the 1,500m and 5,000m in a span of a week during the Florance and Paris diamond league's, she was invited to State House for a 'special congratulations message' from president William Ruto.

She was accompanied by among others, the fastest man in the Africa, Ferdinand Omanyala.

And Kipyegon was not prepared for what was to come, but kept the faith.

President Ruto gifted her Sh5 million.

Additionally, the Head of State handed her a key to a house in Parkroad.

"Now I can own a house in Nairobi," she said.

"For the money, I can buy a car for my father. Now I can fulfil my promise to him," she added emotionally.

President Ruto said under normal circumstances, the three bedroom house handed to Kipyegon would have costed between Sh15-20 million, but because of the affordable housing project, it only costs Sh6 million.

"Owning a house should not be a privilege for the rich. It should be a necessity for all," he said.

The president said going forward, athletes who make Kenya at the world stage will be rewarded either in cash or in kind.

Ferdinand Omanyala was handed Sh2 million.

He urged the president to ensure that the warming track at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani is renovated.

He says the track is completely worn out. Omanyala trains at Kasarani.