Wayne Lumbasi
Kenyan marathon star Sebastian Sawe was welcomed home with national celebrations and high-level honours following his sensational performance at the London Marathon, where he delivered a historic run that has placed him firmly among the world’s elite long-distance athletes.
Sawe touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to an emotional and festive reception that reflected the scale of his achievement. Traditional dancers, athletics officials, family members, and excited supporters filled the arrivals area as the athlete stepped off the plane to a ceremonial water cannon salute, an honour usually reserved for national heroes and major sporting icons.
From the airport, celebrations continued as Sawe was escorted through a jubilant crowd, with chants and applause marking what many described as one of Kenya’s proudest sporting moments in recent years.
The celebrations later shifted to State House, Nairobi, where President William Ruto officially hosted the marathon champion in recognition of his performance. During the ceremony, Sawe was awarded cash prizes totalling KSh 8 million, structured under national athlete reward schemes that recognise exceptional international achievement.
In addition to the financial reward, Sawe was also presented with a brand-new vehicle, symbolising both appreciation and support for his continued training and competition needs. One of the most talked-about highlights of the ceremony was the unveiling of a customised number plate featuring his historic finishing time “1:59:30”, permanently linking his name to the milestone achievement.
President Ruto praised Sawe for elevating Kenya’s global sporting reputation, describing his performance as a moment of national pride and a reminder of the country’s unmatched legacy in long-distance running. He noted that such achievements continue to inspire young athletes across Kenya and reinforce the country’s dominance in marathon events worldwide.
Speaking after receiving the honours, Sawe expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, dedicating his success to his coaches, teammates, and Kenyans who have supported his journey. He described the achievement as a collective victory rather than a personal milestone, emphasising the role of discipline, preparation, and national encouragement in reaching the top level of the sport.
Sawe’s return has since sparked widespread celebration across the country, with many viewing him as the newest symbol of Kenya’s enduring strength in athletics. His breakthrough performance, now matched with state recognition and symbolic rewards, marks a defining moment in his career and adds another chapter to Kenya’s rich marathon legacy.
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