First Lady Kenyatta receives U-20 team from Algeria

First Lady Margret Kenyatta led state and Athletics Kenya (AK) officials in receiving Team Kenya after a successful outing at the African U-20 Championships in Algeria.

Team Kenya bagged a total of 10 medals; four gold, four silver and two bronze medals and finished fourth overall in the continent in recently concluded championships.

The First Lady alongside Sports Cabinet Secretary Dr. Hassan Wario and his Permanent Secretary Ambassador Kirimi Kaberia received the team at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Tuesday morning.

Due to financial constraints, Athletics Kenya managed to send a contingent of only nine athletes; four girls and five boys for the biennial event.

Family and friends braved chilly weather waiting to receive the athletes at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport., before they landed at 8:30am EAT (+3GMT).

Jackson Lekuta, father to the freshly minted 800m junior champion Solomon Lekuta joined the overjoyed relatives at the airport in his full Maasai traditional regalia.

“I’m very excited about my son. He has made me and the entire family very proud, that’s why we are here. We have also organised a big party for him in Kajiado,” said Lekuta.

The family clarified that they are not related to two time Olympics and two time 800m World Champion David Lekuta Rudisha. Solomon adds that Rudisha is a role model to many young athletes.

“It was not an easy task for us in Algeria, especially against the Ethiopians who had over 50 athletes in the team. My main aim was to win the gold medal and I thank God for my victory,” said the newly crowned 800m athlete.

Joyline Cherotich made an exit from the junior category in style after bagging two gold medals in the girls 1,500m and 3,000m. Two time 8km Ndalaat Cross Country champion Nicholas Kipkorir spiced up the event with gold and a bronze in the boy’s 10,000m and 5,000m respectively.

Former World Youth silver medalist Sandrafelis Chebet bagged two silver medals in the girls 3000m flat and 5000m events, while Josphine Chelangat (800m) and Boaz Kiprugut (1,500m) added two silver medals.

Africa Cross Country junior bronze medalist added Nickson Kiplagat won the last  bronze medal in the boys 3000m steeplechase event.