President Ruto has renamed Kericho Green Stadium to Wilson Chuma Kiprugut Stadium the first Kenyan to win an Olympic medal.
Ruto who was leading the country in the 60th Mashujaa Day celebrations at the Stadium, where thousands of Kenyans thronged.
“Allow me to celebrate Kiprugut Chumo, the first Kenyan to win an Olympic medal, by renaming this Kericho green stadium after him, I think he deserves it,” President Ruto stated.
Born in 1938, Kiprugut won Kenya its first medals at the 1968 Mexico Olympics when he took part in the 800 and 400-metre races and won both.
He went ahead to participate in several races but only got recognition later in his life when he was awarded the Kenya Sports Personality of the Year in 2010.
The hero died in 2022 at age 84 after a long illness.
During the event, President Ruto also recognised 157 heroes and heroines drawn from different fields for their contributions.
Double World Champion Faith Kipyegon, who broke three world records this year, World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum, and former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta's trainer, Douglas Wakiihuri were just but among the athletes rewarded towards the end of the celebrations.
Further, the president thanked locals, who supported him overwhelmingly in last year's polls.
“Let me also say to the people of Kericho, thank you very much for your welcome,” Ruto passed his gratitude in the end.
Mashujaa Day is celebrated annually to honor the country's heroes and Kenyans who have made extraordinary sacrifices for the country.
First Lady Rachel Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alongside other senior government officials also graced the event.
