President William Ruto has showered Kenya’s Olympic team with cash rewards, a clear rebuttal to those who questioned their performance at the Paris 2024 Games.

The head of state hosted the athletes to a celebratory breakfast at State House, Eldoret, where he handed out a total of Ksh19.75 million in prize money. Kenya clinched 11 medals, topping the African continent and placing 17th globally.

Beatrice Chebet, the double gold medalist, was the star of the show, receiving Ksh6 million and a promotion to Corporal in the National Police Service. Faith Kipyegon, with a gold and a silver, was awarded Ksh5 million, while Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the youngest Olympic 800m champion, got Ksh3 million.

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Other medalists were also handsomely rewarded. The President emphasized his pride in the team’s achievements, dismissing criticism as unfounded.

Ruto has a history of rewarding top athletes. Kipyegon was previously honored with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart and a Ksh11 million package for breaking world records. The President has also pledged Ksh5 million to any athlete who sets a new world record.