Athletics

'Sterling, absolutely phenomenal': Kenyans celebrate athlete Agnes Ng'etich

Kenyan athlete Agnes Ngetich, who smashed the 10 km road race world record at Valencia Ibercaja on January 14, 2024. (Photo: World Athletics)

By Eastleigh Voice Reporter | Sunday, January 14, 2024

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula wrote that Ng’etich’s performance was “absolutely phenomenal”.

Kenyans have taken to various social media platforms to celebrate Agnes Ng’etich, the 22-year-old athlete who on Sunday became the first woman to break the 29-minute record for a 10-km race.

Ng'etich smashed the world record for the race by an astonishing 28 seconds, crossing the line in 28:46, at the 10k Valencia Ibejcaja. Her record awaits ratification procedures by the World Athletics.

Via X, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba led the pack, saying the whole country was proud of the athlete and that he had phoned Ng’etich to congratulate her.

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Attorney-General Justin Muturi's message was as follows:

Congratulations Agnes Ngetich for an incredible performance at the Valencia Ibercaja! Smashing the 10 km road race world record by 28 seconds is a monumental achievement, making her the trailblazer as the first woman in history to break the 29-minute barrier. pic.twitter.com/X7JSzbIzjm
— Attorney General. J.B. Muturi (@HonJBMuturi) January 14, 2024

Politician Johnson Muthama described Ng’etich’s performance as “sterling and incredible”, adding," This superb achievement has raised our country’s flag high in the global stage and stamped Kenya’s position in athletics.”

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula wrote that Ng’etich’s performance was “absolutely phenomenal”, while Julius Kibet Bitok, the principal secretary in the State Department for Citizen Services, shared this message:

Congratulations to Agnes Ngetich for breaking the World Record in the 10km Road Race held in Valencia, Spain! This remarkable feat not only showcases her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the sport but also raises our Kenyan flag high on the international stage. pic.twitter.com/GvlvQA2Bra
— Julius Kibet Bitok (@JuliusKBitok) January 14, 2024

One Farhiya Abass celebrated Ng’etich as well as other Kenyan athletes who have broken records around the world, describing them as “record smashers”. Among the athletes who have put Kenya on the map over the last few years are long distance runners Eliud Kipchoge and Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot, and Faith Kipyegon, a middle-distance runner.

X user Benson Mwiti also noted that Ng’etich makes the country proud while Dollar Ngafwa said the country was ushering in the new year in style.