Kenya’s newest global sensation, Ian Wambui Kahinga, returned home on Friday to a rousing and emotional reception at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport following his historic exploits at the 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan.
The 24-year-old long-distance star from Nyahururu delivered one of Kenya’s most remarkable performances on the international stage, shattering both the World and Deaflympics records in the men’s 5,000 metres. Wambui stormed to victory in 13:52.83, smashing the long-standing record of 14:02.90 set by fellow Kenyan Symon Cherono Kibai in 2013.
Wambui, who also clinched gold in the men’s 10,000m earlier in the Games, returned home aboard a business-class flight, part of the government's prestigious reward package that has guaranteed him a total of KSh 11 million for his Tokyo triumphs.
His arrival at JKIA was marked by jubilation — traditional dancers, cheering fans, government officials, and a large delegation of taxi drivers from Nyahururu joined his emotional family in welcoming the double-gold champion.
“I feel good because I got medals in Tokyo and my family is here at JKIA to welcome me,”
said an elated Wambui.
“I believe these medals will inspire many more people back home. When we train together, they will be motivated to win medals, break world records, and grow.”train together, they will be motivated to win medals, break world records, and grow.”
His wife, Serah Wachira, was visibly overwhelmed with joy:
“I’m so happy and I thank God for helping him win. He has trained so hard, and I will continue encouraging him to push further and win even more medals.”encouraging him to push further and win even more medals.”
Team Kenya’s athletics coach Samuel Kibet praised the young champion’s discipline and hunger for excellence.
“Wambui is an inspiration, not only to deaf athletes but to all athletes. Our plan was to break the world record, and we got it exactly right. He must continue working and not slow down — with more opportunities, he can achieve even more.”the world record, and we got it exactly right. He must continue working and not slow down — with more opportunities, he can achieve even more.”
Kibet urged more sponsors and partners to support deaf athletes, noting the immense potential demonstrated in Tokyo. Wambui now returns home a national hero — a record-breaker, a double-gold champion, and a symbol of Kenya’s unstoppable spirit at the 2025 Summer Deaflympics.
