PRESIDENT RUTO WEEPS

President William Ruto was melted away with his emotions compelling him to shed tears in the presence of Kenya’s world athletics champions - who had been welcomed to State House, Nairobi on Thursday,2.

The Head of State—often praised for his composed mien—was visibly moved as he addressed the athletes who shone at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. He was flanked by Youth Affairs and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.

“I am pleased to welcome you home after your outstanding performance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan,” Ruto started.

As he struggled to continue, he took out a handkerchief and wiped his face with .“You must forgive me, this is an emotional moment. I don’t know why, but I must say congratulations. Let’s give them another round of applause, " he continued in a trembling voice clearly overwhelmed by the gesture.

The President lauded the team’s resilience, saying their triumph was not only for the athletes but also for the country. “To be second best globally out of 198 countries is no small feat. This is a victory we must celebrate and emulate in every sector of our nation,” he said.

He also used the platform to call for resilience in working towards taking Kenya from its third world nation state

Kenya has always stood out when it comes to athletics and the Tokyo performance was not an exceptional, the Kenyan team managed to garner a total of 11 accolades - consisting of 7 golds, 2 silver and 2 bronze. Kenya's flag came runners up to the USA which garnered 26 accolades.

However, the emotional moment sparked debate online, with some Kenyans questioning the sincerity of Ruto’s tears, as others argue that his emotional reaction reflected genuine pride in the athletes’ success and his patriotism.