Joshua Cheptegei, 5000m world record holder, returns from Monaco

The new 5000m world record holder, Joshua Cheptegei, arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya at 3am aboard a Turkish Airlines flight on Sunday.

Cheptegei stunned the globe after breaking a 16-year-old record at the Diamond League in Monaco. 

He broke the previous record by almost 2 minutes.

In Kenya, he was accompanied by fellow athletes Stephen Kissa, Halima Nakaayi and Winnie Nanyondo who also participated in the Diamond League.

The athletes were received by the Uganda High Commission officials Jeremiah Guma (foreign service officer)  and Evelyn Namatende (administrative attaché).

Cheptegei together with the other athletes expressed delight at being received by the Ugandan officials on their arrival stating that despite the COVID 19 pandemic, they were still accorded a befitting welcome from the Uganda High Commission Officials. 

Upon arrival, Joshua Cheptegei conveyed a sincere message of gratitude to the officials of the Uganda High Commission for the warm reception that was accorded to him and the entire Ugandan team.

The Athletes immediately departed the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 3:45am en route to Uganda, according to the foreign affairs ministry.

They were escorted to the Malaba Border by the Uganda High Commission officials and the Kenyan Diplomatic Police Escorts. 

The team arrived at the Malaba border at around 11am and they were received by the Ministry of Education and Sports.