𝗘𝘇𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗞𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗶: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

By Sila Koskei Terigin, Uasin Gishu governor's press Director 

Few names in athletics evoke as much nostalgia and pride as Ezekiel Kemboi, the 3000m steeplechase king who turned every race into a performance and every finish line into a celebration.

He remains one of Kenya’s all-time greats, a man who carried the nation’s hopes on his shoulders and always delivered with flair.

Many still recall those unforgettable races when Kemboi led the Kenyan pack to stunning 1-2-3 podium sweeps, the flag soaring, the crowd roaring, and the world watching in awe. He made winning look easy, but his secret was simple, teamwork and heart.

“After the semis, we would talk and agree, it didn’t matter who won, as long as the flag flew high,” he says, his trademark grin never fading.

It was that selfless spirit that defined the golden era of Kenyan steeplechase, a generation that ran not only for glory, but for country.

Then there was the dance, the post-race magic that turned Kemboi into a global sensation. His bold haircuts, comic timing, and unstoppable rhythm after every win became part of athletics folklore. Years later, those videos still light up social media feeds, a reminder of the man who made victory look like pure joy.

Time may have moved on, but Kemboi hasn’t changed much. He still carries that bubbly, joke-cracking charm and calm confidence that made him a fan favourite on and off the track. His presence is magnetic, a mix of humour, humility, and quiet brilliance.

Today, Kemboi’s race continues, not in the lanes, but on the training grounds of Iten, where he is shaping the next generation of steeplechase champions. He speaks passionately about nurturing young talent, sharing lessons learned from years at the top.

“My dream now,” he says, “is to see another Kenyan lift that flag and dance again at the finish line.”

Ezekiel Kemboi’s story goes beyond medals and moments, a story of patriotism, and resilience.