Kenyan skater Kelvin Ruhiu has received an outpouring of support from Kenyans, raising over Sh88,000 so far.
Speaking to TNX Africa, Kiarie confirmed that contributions were still coming in, with the final tally yet to be determined.
The wave of support followed Ruhiu’s impressive performance at the International Challenge Cotonou in Benin, where he returned home a champion after winning both gold and silver medals.
However, his success also sparked widespread conversation online, with many surprised to learn he had travelled and competed without any government funding or support.
— Kevin Kiarie Ruhiu (@KelvinuhK) April 9, 2026
Ruhiu, a Technical Civil Engineering graduate, shared a video capturing the moment he realised he had won. In the clip, he is visibly emotional, shedding tears as he celebrates the achievement.
Skating solo across the rink, he held the Kenyan flag high while dressed in a blue and white jersey paired with black and white trousers, delivering a message to Kenyans back home.
“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.
Clearly moved, he 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 added.
Ruhiu also revealed that he had won a silver medal a day earlier, expressing confidence ahead of his next competition in Egypt.
“By the will of God, we will do it again in Egypt next month. Thank you,” he signed off.
In a separate post on X, Kiarie shared a video of his journey to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, revealing the financial challenges he faced.
“Leaving for Airport, I had to use Matatu. I had very little left for spending, I couldn’t afford Uber. For a flight leaving at 3am, I left at 10pm and arrived very early, because otherwise I wouldn’t find a matatu to the airport at 2am. Regardless, we won!” he wrote.
Kenyans on social media continued to rally behind him, with many praising his resilience and contributing to his cause.
On X, one user, DB Cooper, wrote, “Congratulations man, you deserve it,” while another, KYB, added, “Good one. Zangu zinakam pia.”
