President William Ruto on Tuesday morning surprised Africa's fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala with Sh2 million at State House, Nairobi.
Omanyala was among the athletes who were summoned to State House Nairobi for a breakfast meeting to celebrate Faith Kipyegon for smashing two world records.
After the president had issued his speech, he invited the athlete to give a brief remark before ending his speech session.
It is then that Omanyala congratulated Kipyegon for her stunning performance and asked President Ruto not to allow them leave without anything.
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"I want to promise you in two weeks' time we are going to get a medal in the championship. And it has never happened in Africa," Omanyala promised in his speech.
Unknown to him, the president had prepared Sh 2 million cheque for him for the stunning work he is doing.
After ending his speech, the president directed his handlers to bring forth the award he had for him.
"I had something for Omanyala. Where is it?" Ruto asked
A dummy cheque was brought forward even as Sports CS Ababu Namwamba said the reward is in recognition of his noble work in the 100 m race.
"In appreciation of the credible work that Omanyala is doing, taking the 100m race to another level, we have an appreciation for him from our president. Sh2 million for Ferdinand for ruling Africa in 100m race," the CS said.
The award came moments after Ruto announced that every athlete who breaks a record will be handed Sh5 million.
He said the award is to ensure Kenyan athletes are rewarded for their significant contribution.
