Cash boon for Olympians as President Kenyatta doles a million shillings each for gold medal

President Uhuru Kenyatta finally received representatives of the triumphant Kenyan contingent that represented the country in the concluded Tokyo 2020 Olympics held in Japan.

Despite finishing as the best nation on the continent and 19th in the overall standings after amassing four gold, four silver and two bronze medals, the Kenyan athletes, in what sparked a nationwide heated debate online, were given a cold shoulder as they jetted back into the country. Ordinarily, the athletes from major global championships have always been afforded a warm welcome by top government officials flanked by close family members. But this was not the case this time round.

TOKYO 2020: Team Kenya the best in Africa but given a cold shoulder as they jet back

The rage poured on social media was apparently fueled by the envious reception of the Ugandan athletes who only mined four medals in Tokyo but were accorded stately reception led by President Yoweri Museveni.

The Ugandan President is said to have handsomely rewarded the efforts of the trio of 5000m Olympic champion and record holder Joshua Cheptegei, 3000m steeplechase champion Peruth Chemutai and 10000m bronze medalist Jacob Kiplimo.

Museveni is reported to have gifted the three with high-end cars, a promise to build them houses and huge cash prizes after Uganda was placed 36th globally at the Tokyo Games, their best finish since their first participation in the 1956 Melbourne Games.

In a move that now seems like a cover-up, the Kenyan President, after receiving the athletes, announced cash rewards of Kshs1 million, 750,000 and 500,000 for Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists respectively.

Additionally, the Head of State further announced a uniform token of Kshs. 200,000 for all athletes and officials, including the Paralympics team, participating in the delayed Summer Games.

The President further thanked the Olympians for their outstanding performances that saw Kenya top the African medal chart and challenged the sporting fraternity to ensure the country continues to excel on the global stage.