A group of Kenyan skaters rolled through Nairobi’s CBD to celebrate Kelvin Kiarie Ruhiu’s victory in Benin.

In a viral TikTok video seen by TNX Africa, the skaters blew whistles and cheered him on, with a caption that read, “From the Kenyan skating community, congratulations, Kelvin. You made us proud.”

The celebrations followed Ruhiu’s standout performance at the International Challenge Cotonou in Benin, where he clinched gold and silver medals.

His achievement quickly sparked debate online after it emerged he competed without government or institutional support.

In a video shared on his social media, the Bachelor of Technology Civil Engineering graduate captured his emotional reaction moments after the win.

@skaletonwheels From the streets to the world stage ??? Congratulations Kevin, the whole skating community is proud of you ??? #kenyaskating #inlineskating #kenyantiktok?? #fypシ #fyp @Kiarie Kevin Ruhiu. ♬ original sound – Ⓗⓞⓜⓔ ⓞⓕ Ⓡⓗⓤⓜⓑⓐ & Ⓛⓘⓝⓖⓐⓛⓐ

Skating alone in the arena while carrying the Kenyan flag, Ruhiu, dressed in a white and blue jersey with black and white pants, addressed Kenyans.

“Hello Kenyans! I just did it. It is gold for Kenya. I am in Benin, West Africa, and I am so proud to represent my country. Thank you,” he said.

Visibly emotional, he later added, “I am so excited for my results. It has been a very fierce fight, not only in the competition but also here. It was a very serious fight. I am super proud of myself. If I had to do it again, I would, for my country.”

He went on to thank his family and supporters.

“For my parents, family and people who supported me, thank you so much. The last thing I would want is to reach a breaking point. God is great,” he said.

Ruhiu also revealed he had secured a silver medal the previous day, expressing optimism about his next outing in Egypt. “By the will of God, we will do it again in Egypt next month. Thank you,” he signed off.

Another clip seen by TNX Africa showed the medal ceremony, with the national anthem playing as Ruhiu, dressed in a red and black Kenyan tracksuit and silver skates, proudly held the flag while receiving his medals.

The moment further fuelled online reactions, with many questioning the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports over the apparent lack of support.

In response to the backlash, the ministry maintained that the athlete had not formally reached out for assistance, according to a local outlet.

Kenyans online remained divided.

On TikTok, user Fupii wrote, “I love the togetherness of Kenyans.”

On Facebook, Faith Mwende Ndung’u argued, “So now people should seek support for the ministry to support them? He was going to represent Kenya, and the win is for the country, not just him.”