Kihika awards Faith Kipyegon Sh 500,000 in fascinating home-coming ceremony
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika joins athlete Faith Kipyegon for a dance during Kipyegon's homecoming ceremony on December 22, 2023.
World female track athlete of the year Faith Kipyegon has today been received in Nakuru county by Governor Susan Kihika, in a homecoming event where she was honored for her great performance as a daughter of Nakuru soil.
In a colourful event held at the Nakuru County Headquarters, Ms Kipyegon was escorted by a procession along Moi Road, all the way to the Governor’s office where she was warmly received by Ms Kihika , Deputy Governor David Kones, among other dignitaries.
Governor Susan Kihika welcomes Faith Kipyegon to the county headquarters during Kipyegon's home coming ceremony on December 22, 2023.
In style, Ms Kihika and Kipyegon danced to traditional songs where they rhythmically took perfect turns along the tunes. Who knew Governor Kihika was such a great dancer?
During her address, Ms. Kihika lauded faith for her exemplary performance, putting Nakuru on the world map.
Governor Susan Kihika and Athlete Faith Kipyegon dance with Ogiek dancers at the Nakuru county headquarters during Kipyegon's homecoming on December 22, 2023.
“Nothing beats the joy and the honor of having madam Faith, our world record holder and champion in our midst today. More so, this visit comes at the wake of Ms. Kipyegon being crowned this year’s Africa’s finest female athlete by the confederation of Africa athletes,” she said as she congratulated Kipyegon.
In an unexpected turn of events, Ms. Kihika recommended that the Keringet stadium be renamed in honor of Faith Kipyegon.
At the event, Kipyegon was awarded Sh 500,000, title of Nakuru county Ambassador, a Nakuru county themed medal and a plaque.
Governor Susan Kihika awards Faith Kipyegon Sh 500,000 for her exemplary performance in athletics on December 22, 2023.
In return, Kipyegon gifted the governor a pair of sports shoes acknowledging Ms.Kihika’s love for sports. She jokingly told Ms Kihika that the high-heel shoes she was putting on will not be good for her to run in.
Faith Kipyegon gifts Governor Susan Kihika a pair of sports shoes on December 22, 2023.
Kipyegon thanked the Governor for her lovely welcome and said she was longing to be welcomed home.
“I was welcomed in Uasin Gishu and Marakwet because my husband comes from there. I asked myself where are my people? Where is my mother? However, I am happy today to be received at home,” she said as she reminisced on her old days in Keringet, where she says she started running bare footed.
Ms Kipyegon thanked her first coach Mr. Charles whom she says she is eternally grateful to, for the training he accorded her.
She went ahead to advise young female athletes to be disciplined in their craft.
Nakuru Taekwondo team performing at the County headquarters during the homecoming of Athlete Faith Kipyegon on December 22,2023.
At the event, Ms Kipyegon was accompanied by her daughter, husband, sister and coach.