DP Ruto: Any Athlete Who Brings Gold To Kenya, Will Earn Ksh. 1 Million.

A somber mood engulfed Kisawai village in Saboti, Kitale, and Trans Nzoia County during the burial of Kenya’s legendary athlete Ben Jipcho.

Jipcho died last Friday at the Fountain Hospital in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, where he was being treated at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit with organ failure.

Deputy President William Ruto was among several politicians and key athletes who attended Jipcho’s burial ceremony.

Ruto said the national government is committed to handsomely reward athletes who emerge victorious in sporting events to appreciate their efforts in uplifting the image of the country.

For instance, he said those who win Gold will earn Sh 1 million, those who win silver Sh 500, 000 and Sh 250, 000 for those who win Bronze.

Senate speaker Ken Lusaka backed the need to honor retired sporting Athletes in the country due to their efforts in propelling sports development.

Former Boston Marathon champion Wesley Korir ,Athletics legend Kipchoge Keino among other athletes said the government must honor all retired athletes for setting the pace for current Athletes.

Wesley called on Parliament to pass an act to establish criteria for the identification, selection and honoring of national heroes like Ben Jipcho.

Leaders present include Mt. Elgon MP Fred Kapondi ,Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa,Endebess M.P Robert Pokose among others eulogized the late as a person with vast knowledge, experience and wisdom in the field of sports and education that will be missed a lot.