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Beatrice Chebet and Abraham Kibiwott, who left Kenya as constables for the Paris Olympics, have been promoted to corporals upon their return.
Chebet received her promotion from acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli at Jogoo House on Wednesday, following her gold medal wins in the women’s 5,000m and 10,000m races.
Kibiwott, who secured a bronze medal in the men’s 3,000m race, was also promoted to corporal.
It is customary for police officers to be promoted one rank higher in recognition of their exceptional performance on the international stage.
Chebet, who is stationed in Kericho, expressed her delight, attributing her success to hard work and discipline. She thanked her boss Masengeli, her colleagues, teammates, and family for their support.
Chebet, making her Olympics debut, triumphed in the 5,000m race on August 6, finishing in 14:28.56, ahead of Faith Kipyegon and Sifan Hassan. She completed her impressive double by winning the 10,000m race on August 9 in 39:43.25, defeating Nadia Batocletti and Sifan Hassan at Stade de France. Chebet is now among the few women to win both events at a single Olympics.
Kibiwott, an Administration Police officer based at APTC training school in Embakasi, also met with his superior for his promotion shortly after returning from Paris.
He clocked 8:06.47 to win bronze in the 3,000m, finishing behind Kenneth Rooks and Soufiane El Bakkali. Kibiwott, from Uasin Gishu County, previously won bronze at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and the 2016 African Championships.
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Kibiwott expressed his gratitude for the promotion and his continued commitment to achieving gold in future competitions.
Both athletes later traveled to Eldoret, where President William Ruto hosted a breakfast for the Kenyan Olympic team and is expected to award them cash bonuses. Team Kenya finished 17th in Paris with a total of 11 medals: 4 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze.
