The government finally acted after Kenyans raised concerns over the reception and treatment of athletes who participated in the just-concluded Tokyo Olympics.
As the second batch of athletes jetted into the country on August 12, senior officials from the Ministry of Sports were present at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to receive them.
On Friday, August 13 Sports Principal Secretary Joe Okudo invited the athletes for breakfast at a top city hotel where they had spent the night.
Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir, silver medallist Brigid Kosgei and marathoner Lawrence Cherono, who came in fourth in the men's race were welcomed home to song and dance by Kenya Utamaduni dancers.
This was after an uproar on social media on Wednesday, August 11, after a section of Kenyans protested the poor reception of athletes.
Kenyans on various social media platforms accused the Ministry of failing to accord the athletes a befitting welcome despite registering an impressive performance in the Olympics.
In particular, Kenyans wondered why the greatest marathoner and World Record Holder, Eliud Kipchoge did not receive a hero welcome when he jetted into the country.
Kenya was position 19 worldwide and top in Africa on the medals leaderboard.
Earlier yesterday, the government through its spokesman, Cyrus Oguna, had explained that the first batch of Team Kenya Olympians were not received with expected dignity and majesty due to Covid-19 restrictions and protocols put in place.
Col. Oguna had said the stars, including Eliud Kipchoge who set a world record and received admiration across the world, would not be given a five-star reception at JKIA as is the custom, for fear of attracting a huge crowd.
Meanwhile, in Uganda, business was at a standstill as athletes and team officials disembarked from the plane at Entebbe International Airport.
The athletes were hosted at a luncheon on Wednesday, August 11, by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. They also received houses, cars and a hefty paycheck for their performance in Tokyo.
