Ruto hosts State House reception in honour of Sabastian Sawe

President William Ruto welcoming marathon world record holder Sabastian Sawe at State House, Nairobi, April 30, 2026. /PCS

President William Ruto on Thursday hosted a special reception at State House, Nairobi in honor Sabastian Sawe who stunned the world by running a marathon in under two hours during the London Marathon on April 26.

The President described the achievement as a once‑in‑a‑lifetime moment, saying it was not merely a sporting triumph but a defining chapter in the story of human endurance.

He noted that future generations will look back on that day as the moment a man broke through a barrier long thought insurmountable, and the name forever attached to it will be Sabastian Sawe.

He congratulated Sawe for lifting Kenya’s flag higher.

"You have reminded us that what once seemed impossible is within reach if only we dare to believe in ourselves and pursue our highest aspirations with courage, consistency, and resolve.”

To capture the magnitude of the feat, Ruto compared it to Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon and Roger Bannister’s four‑minute mile, moments that redefined possibility itself.

He reminded the audience of Eliud Kipchoge’s words that no human is limited, adding that Sawe had given that truth new meaning.

“You have not only broken a record, you have expanded the horizon of human potential. You have made the impossible possible,” he said.

The President highlighted Sawe’s rapid rise, noting that until 2024 he was not a marathoner, yet since debuting in Valencia with a 2:02:05 finish, he has remained unbeaten.

His return to London to win again and set a new world record confirmed his destiny for greatness.

President Ruto emphasised that Sawe’s triumph extends Kenya’s proud dominance in marathon running, recalling Patrick Makau’s record in 2011 and Kelvin Kiptum’s reign, affirming Kenya as the true home of distance running excellence.

He underscored that athletes are Kenya’s finest ambassadors, projecting the nation’s strength and spirit globally.

To sustain this momentum, Ruto outlined government investments in sports: construction of Talanta Stadium, renovation of Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums, and building 25 new stadia nationwide.

He mentioned a lease agreement for a modern Arena and Entertainment District in Nairobi, grassroots sports academies to nurture talent and the Sports Bill 2026, which will establish a National Sports Regulatory Authority.

The President also announced enhanced rewards for athletes, including Sh3 million for gold medalists, Sh2 million for silver, and Sh1 million for bronze in athletics, alongside increased allowances for athletes and officials representing Kenya abroad.

Ruto stressed that investing in sports and the creative economy creates pathways for youth to turn talent into sustainable livelihoods.

Extending best wishes to Team Kenya competing at the World Relays Championships in Botswana, led by Ferdinand Omanyala and Mercy Oketch, President Ruto expressed confidence in their performance.