Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot has been promoted to the rank of Senior Superintendent of Prisons (SSP).
His promotion followed a directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday after he hosted representatives of the triumphant Kenyan team to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the State House.
Commissioner-General of Kenya Prisons Wycliffe Ogalo presided over Cheruiyot’s promotion ceremony at the Prisons headquarters, Magereza House.
“I have been directed by His Excellency Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta that owing to your sterling performance in the just concluded Tokyo Olympic Games which you won a Silver medal in the 1,500 m race that in appreciation of the same, that gave honour and glory to our Nation you be instantly promoted to the rank of Senior Superintendent of Prisons. Hongera!” Ogolla said.
Prior to his promotion to SSP, Cheruiyot was a Chief Inspector of Prisons.
Cheruiyot won silver at the recently concluded Tokyo 2020 Olympics clocking 3:29.01 behind Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen who won gold in 3:28.32.
Kenyatta yesterday announced cash rewards of Sh1 million, 750,000 and 500,000 for Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists respectively.
The Head of State further announced a uniform token of Shs 200,000 for all athletes and officials, including the Paralympics team, currently participating in the delayed Summer Games.
The President thanked the Olympians for their outstanding performances that saw Kenya top the African medal chart, pointing out that the team’s success had once again demonstrated Kenya’s sporting prowess.
“We are here to celebrate your victory which is Kenya’s victory. And we are here to congratulate you, to say how proud we are of your performances as individuals and as a team,” Kenyatta said.