Athletes take part in a recent competition in Iten.
Benjamin Limo and Julius Yego question organisers’ treatment of athletes, despite President William Ruto’s tribute to Kenyan sporting achievements.
Mashujaa Day athletes have questioned invitations and recognition arrangements at the 2026 national celebrations in Eldoret. Former world champions Benjamin Limo and Julius Yego raised concerns after Tuesday’s event at Kipchoge Keino Stadium.
The complaints centred on invitations, participation and reserved seating for active competitors and retired athletics stars. Athletes had expected organisers to showcase their achievements in Eldoret, widely known as the City of Champions.
However, the athletes welcomed President William Ruto’s tribute to Kenya’s success in distance running and field events. Their criticism focused instead on how organisers accommodated sporting figures during the celebrations.
Mashujaa Day athletes seek recognition at home
Limo, the 2005 world 5,000m champion, questioned why organisers had not invited members of the athletics community. He was Kenya’s only gold medallist at that year’s World Athletics Championships in Helsinki.
In a social media post, Limo expressed dissatisfaction on behalf of Uasin Gishu’s legendary athletes. He said organisers had overlooked a community with numerous world and Olympic medallists.
For Limo, a dedicated tent would have offered a simple way to acknowledge their contribution. He stressed that athletes did not seek VIP status, but recognition of their achievements at home.
Instead, he wanted a designated area where sporting heroes could celebrate their accomplishments during their lifetimes. His concerns also covered the opportunity for Kenyans to recognise both current stars and retired champions.
Yego also questions treatment of sporting stars
Meanwhile, former world javelin champion Julius Yego also questioned the treatment of Kenyan athletes at the event. His concerns came despite honours for several competitors, including marathon record-holder Sabastian Sawe.
The complaints therefore concerned broader participation and recognition, rather than a complete absence of honours for athletes. Several sporting figures took to social media after the celebrations to challenge the arrangements.
Those raising concerns had expected the host city’s athletics heritage to feature prominently in the occasion. Limo’s request for a dedicated tent reflected that expectation without demanding special VIP privileges.
Ruto salutes Kenya’s athletics achievements
During his address, Ruto paid tribute to sporting pioneers, including the late Kiprugut Chumo and former Olympic champion Kipchoge Keino. Keino attended the celebrations at the stadium that bears his name.
The President praised athletes for representing Kenya with distinction and raising its profile on the international stage. Athletes acknowledged that tribute even as they challenged organisers over their involvement in the event.
Ruto also highlighted government investment in modern sports facilities, including Talanta Stadium and upgrades to Kasarani Stadium. He linked those projects to preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kenya will co-host the tournament with Uganda and Tanzania.
