Two Kenyan Olympic medalists have been promoted within the police force following their success at the Paris 2024 Games.
Beatrice Chebet, who won gold in both the women’s 5,000m and 10,000m races, and Abraham Kibiwott, bronze medalist in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, have been elevated to the rank of corporal.
Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli conducted the promotion ceremony at Jogoo House in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Chebet, 24, based in Kericho, expressed her gratitude: “It feels good to be promoted and I thank my boss Masengeli, for awarding my efforts handsomely. I also appreciate my colleagues, teammates, and my family for pushing me towards this achievement.”
The Olympic debutant won the 5,000m in 14 minutes and 28.56 seconds on 6 August, before claiming the 10,000m title on 9 August in 39:43.25, making her the best performer in team Kenya’s camp.
Her historic performance places her among the legends of long-distance running, becoming only the third woman to win both events at the same Olympics.
Meanwhile, Abraham Kibiwott who is an Administration police officer based in APTC training school Embakasi, also made a courtesy call to his boss for his coronation hours after landing from Paris.
Kibowott who was among the five Kenyan bronze medalists, clocked 8:06.47, to finish behind America’s Kenneth Rooks and Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali.
The 28-year-old who hails from Uasin Gishu County, has a personal best of 8:05.51 minutes.
He also claimed bronze in the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and the 2016 Durban, African Championships.
“I did my best, but I couldn’t get the desired gold. I will continue working towards it. I want to thank my boss for acknowledging my efforts, I am so happy to have climbed one rank higher,” he said.
It is customary for Kenyan security forces to promote officers who excel in international competitions.
Both athletes later travelled to Eldoret for a breakfast meeting with President William Ruto, who is expected to award cash bonuses to the medalists.
Kenya finished 17th in the medal table at Paris 2024, winning four gold, two silver and five bronze medals.
