Acting Inspector General (IG) of Police Gilbert Masengeli has promoted gold medalist Beatrice Chebet to the rank of corporal following her stellar performance at the Paris Olympics.
The promotion was in recognition of Chebet’s triumph as the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic gold in the women’s 10,000m since the event’s inception in 1988.
“The Ag. IG Mr. Masengeli henceforth promoted Beatrice Chebet and Abraham Kibiwot to the rank of Corporal on Merit. Corporal Chebet, a record holder in 10,000m, won two Gold M medals after impressive outings in 5000m and 10,000m races, while Abraham Kibiwot won a bronze medal in the men’s 3000m steeplechase,” reads the statement in part.
World 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet won Kenya’s first two gold medals at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Chebet won the first gold medal on Monday night, August 5, in the Womens 5000m race at the Stade de France after finishing with a time of 14:28.56, edging out compatriot Faith Kipyegon.
The champion athlete once again raced to victory in the women’s 10,000m at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Friday, August 9, claiming her second gold of the Games.
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She finished ahead of Italy’s Nadia Battocletti and Dutch star Sifan Hassan, who won silver and bronze, respectively.
The world record holder crossed the finish line with a time of 30:43.25 to claim her place on the top of the podium, securing the Olympic title in front of a roaring crowd at the Stade de France.
Masengeli lauded Chebet for her discipline and commitment which led to her success, and further urged her to keep off malpractices especially doping.
Before her promotion to corporal, Beatrice Chebet was a Police Constable. Masengeli also promoted Abraham Kibiwot to the rank of Corporal who won a bronze medal in the men’s 3000m steeplechase.
Among the 11 medals that Kenya received in the Paris Olympics, four were bagged by National Police Service (NPS) Officers.
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Deputy IG-Kenya Police, Eliud Lagat, on his part affirmed that the achievements of NPS officers in both track and field demonstrate the Service’s commitment to promoting sports. Also Read
Chebet and Kibiwot were among the seven police officers who represented Kenya in the Paris Olympics.
Other officers who participated in the Olympics include Corporal Ferdinand Omanyala (100m), Corporal Mary Moraa (400m and 800m) and Corporal Wycliffe Kinyamal (800m), Beatrice Chepkoech (3000m s/c), and Senior Sergeant Julius Yego (Javelin).
