NAIROBI, Kenya — Calls are growing for equal recognition and support for Kenyan athletes following concerns over the treatment of national skater Kevin Kiarie, who has continued to raise Kenyan flag internationally while relying on public support to sustain his sporting career.
In a message addressed to President William Ruto, human rights defender Dr Bosire Wairimu urged fairness and equity in how Kenyan athletes are celebrated especially after returning home with medals.
“Equity demands that we celebrate all Kenyans equally when they fly our flag internationally, especially when they return home with medals,” the message read.
Kenyan skater Kelvin Kiarie Ruhiu has enjoyed notable international success in 2026, including a strong showing at the African Skating Championships in Cairo, Egypt, where he clinched two gold medals in the Freestyle Battle and Classic Slalom events.
The performance came shortly after another impressive outing at the International Skating Challenge in Cotonou, Benin, where he secured a gold medal in the freestyle battle and a silver medal in the classic slalom.
The appeal further stressed that sportsmanship should not be influenced by ethnicity, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, or proximity to power, insisting that no athlete should be sidelined because of their background or sporting discipline.
“Some may argue that it is about the name, but I refuse to believe that. Sportsmanship knows no ethnicity, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, or proximity to power,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, unlike some athletes who are traditionally invited to State House following international success, President William Ruto publicly congratulated Kiarie through a social media message.
Supporters have also urged media houses to give the skater more coverage, saying increased visibility could help attract sponsorship and institutional backing.
“Kevin is equally a hero,” she noted calling for broader recognition of his contribution to Kenya’s growing presence in skating.
