President Ruto Celebrates Marathon Hero Sebastian Sawe, Pays Tribute to Mzee Edwin Koech at Emotional Burial
News Updated: 30 April 2026 19:08 EAT
president William Samoei Ruto joined the family of Davis Chirchir in Celebrating the life of Mzee Edwin Kipchirchir Koech, in Kipketii, Bomet county
President William Samoei Ruto on Thursday held two significant engagements that reflected both national celebration and solemn reflection, beginning with the reception of marathon sensation Sebastian Sawe at State House, Nairobi, and later attending the burial of Mzee Edwin Koech, father of Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir in Bomet County.
At State House, President Ruto lauded Sawe’s outstanding performance in London, describing it as a historic milestone in global athletics and a defining moment in human endurance.
“What Sabastian Sawe achieved last weekend in London is not merely a sporting triumph; it is a defining moment in the story of human endurance,” the President said.
He praised the athlete for redefining limits in sport, adding that “Sabastian did not only break a record, he expanded the horizon of human potential.”
Ruto further noted that Sawe’s achievement had inspired millions, stating: “Sabastian has made the impossible possible.”
The President officially welcomed the marathoner at State House following his return, congratulating him for what he termed an “unmatched fete” and celebrating Kenya’s continued dominance in long-distance running.
He reaffirmed government commitment to supporting athletes, announcing plans to scale up investment in talent development and sporting infrastructure.
“We undertake to scale up investment in talent development and building world-class sporting infrastructure for our youth,” Ruto said, adding that the aim was to “turn talent into sustainable livelihoods and meaningful careers.”
Later in the day, the Head of State joined mourners in Bomet County for the burial of Mzee Edwin Koech, where he delivered a deeply personal tribute to the late patriarch.
Ruto described Mzee Koech as a man of integrity whose life was defined by dedication, service, and professionalism, having served as both a veterinary and agricultural officer before becoming a respected farmer and community leader.
He highlighted the late Koech’s lasting legacy through his family, particularly in the leadership of his son, CS Davis Chirchir.
“Yet, perhaps his most enduring legacy lies in the family he nurtured,” the President said, noting that Koech instilled values of excellence, service to others, and faith in God.
His children, Ruto added, stood as “a living testament to the ideals Mzee Koech upheld throughout his lifetime.”
The President also used the occasion to reflect on parenting and family responsibility, urging parents to take an active role in raising their children.
“Reminds us that it is first and foremost our responsibility as parents to mentor, bring up and be responsible for our children. That is how you have a great family like the one we are celebrating here today,” he said.
He further emphasized that “that is a big lesson that every parent who is here should learn from this old man,” adding that parents must be fully involved in shaping their children’s future.
Ruto said Mzee Koech’s family was a reflection of strong upbringing, noting: “When you see his family here, you see a family that is very well brought up. I’m asking us as parents and I speak as one that we be involved.”
He encouraged parents to actively support their children’s wellbeing, saying: “We go out of our way, we get concerned and we work to secure the wellbeing and the future of our children.”
Turning to agriculture, the President described Mzee Koech as a hardworking farmer whose example continues to inspire government policy.
“The second thing I would like to say because of this old man is that he was a hardworking farmer,” Ruto said.
He added that the government’s agricultural agenda is shaped by such farmers, noting efforts to reduce production costs for farmers.
“And it is the reason why we reduced the cost of fertilizer,” he said.
Ruto also pointed to international trade gains, stating that Kenyan farmers were benefiting from new export agreements, including tea exports to China under a bilateral trade deal.
On education, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equity and access, saying: “The same way education was important then it is right today. Education was important then it is important today.”
He highlighted reforms in education financing, noting that the government had changed the funding model to ensure all learners access education without discrimination.
“We have changed the funding model so that all children get the opportunity to study without being discriminated against,” he said.
Ruto added that increased investment in education was aimed at promoting equality, where “children of the poor and the rich become equal when they get an education.”
The President concluded by praising the people of Bomet for maintaining dignity during the funeral proceedings, contrasting it with political tensions seen elsewhere.
“We respect the people of Bomet, this is how it should be,” he said, urging restraint and discipline during mourning periods.
He further cautioned against politicising funerals, stating: “Plan for politics on its own day. Today we have come here to speak words about Mzee Edwin. That is how it should be.”
Ruto said he hoped other regions would emulate Bomet’s example, where the burial was conducted with order, respect, and unity.
Tags: Davis Chirchir Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice Ministry Of Roads And Transport News Article President William Ruto Rest In Peace Signs Signs Media Signs Media Kenya Limited Signs Tv Signsmedia Signst Signstv SignsTV Signstvkenya Signsv William Ruto William Samoei Ruto
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD