THE CHAMPS ARE BACK: Gold medallists Yego, Kemboi and Bett among those who jetted in after good show in Beijing

Kenya’s athletics squad landed back yesterday after winning the overall title at the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China.

The team, which went down in history as the first African nation to win the world title, returned to a reception replete with ululations and pageantry –the biggest homecoming in recent times.

On hand to welcome them back following their exploits in Beijing were Deputy President William Ruto, Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario, Principal Secretary Richard Ekai, senators Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Mike Sonko (Nairobi). Others present included governors Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet), Cleophas Lagat (Nandi), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) and Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu.

There was an electrifying mood at the JKIA runway as the huge crowds of government officials burst into song and dance. Journalists jostled to take pictures of the unfolding events.

The deputy president pulled a surprise when he led the gathering in a sprint to the Kenya Airways plane where three gold medallists Julius Yego (javelin), Ezekiel Kemboi (3,000m steeplechase) and Nicholas Bett (400m hurdles) were on board.

World marathon silver medallist Helah Kirop and former world 800m champion Janeth Jepkosgei and Maureen Chelagat, who lost in the semi-finals, were among those who landed even as most of the medallists travelled to Zurich for the 13th IAAF Diamond League meeting tomorrow.

Three-time world champion Asbel Kiprop, world 10,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot and world 10,000m silver medallist Caleb Mwangangi Ndiku led the other stars to Zurich. At the arrival lounge, Nairobi’s gold-chain-wearing senator Mike Sonko had brought a fleet of Chrysler, sedan and long-stretch limousines.

On the sideways and the front, the vehicles bore the writings: ‘Hotbed of medals’, ‘Hotbed of champions’ and we are athletics superpower.’

Head coach Julius Kirwa and his assistant Isaac Kirwa were also present at the airport.

As usual, the stars were served with Mursik (Kalenjin traditional sour milk) and then garlanded with Sinendet, the Kalenjin traditional ceremonial plant used to honour heroes. The DP said President Uhuru Kenyatta will host the stars for breakfast at State House tomorrow.

Ruto said: “I am here on behalf of the President to welcome you home. Karibu Nyumbani (welcome home). You are our heroes and heroines, particularly for making Kenya become number one in the world. Your effort, commitment and hard work has made us proud. Right now, Kenya is truly the magical land of tremendous opportunity.”

Kemboi, who was the team captain, said: “I have been in the national team for 15 years, but I am happy that I will retire from the sport having led Kenya to number one in the world. As the team captain, I received a call from President Uhuru Kenyatta congratulating us. Mimi ni Baba yao (I am their father) but Waititu (Kabete MP) is Baba yao Kisiasa (their political father).”

Bett, who struck Kenya’s maiden 400m hurdles gold, said: “I was certain of victory from the time I left for Beijing.”

The team proceeded to DP’s residence in Karen for breakfast.

Mandago said: “We will do a joint party as North Rift counties. We will let you know.”