William Ruto Relishes His Days As Volleyballer, Congratulates Malkia Strikers: "I Take A Lot Of Pride"

• President William Ruto congratulated the Malkia Strikers for becoming African women's volleyball champions for a record tenth time
• There was a light moment during his speech when he disclosed that he used to be a good volleyballer
• Malkia Strikers broke an eight-year drought to dethrone defending champions Egypt in the Women's African Volleyball Championship

Nairobi - President William Ruto has celebrated Kenya's women's volleyball team following their exploits in Cameroon.

Malkia Strikers dethroned perennial rivals Egypt in the finals of the 2023 edition of the African Championship after beating them 3-0 in a pulsating final staged in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

It was a sweet win for the Malkia Strikers as they returned from the cold after eight years to clinch a historic tenth title. The team last won the title in 2015.

Under Brazillian Head coach Luizomar de Moura, the team looks to have found their groove and, during the tournament, ran over the usual more formidable opponents.

Malkia Strikers got into the final after beating hosts Cameroon, who finished third after beating Rwanda 3-0 in the third-place play-offs.

Ruto discloses his love for volleyball

During the official commissioning of the Talanta Plaza, the Headquarters of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports on Friday, September 1, the Ruto lauded the national team.

He explained that he is proud that the Malkia Strikers would represent Kenya and Africa at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

It is very heartwarming to congratulate our Malaika team. Tuwapigie makofi jameni. Simameni tuwapigie makofi hawa wangwana. Congratulations to our Malaika team for your exceptional participation and achievement.

You have our support 100% as you represent us, our region and our continent in the Olympics. Once upon a time, I was a volleyballer, so I really take a lot of pride that volleyball is getting to the Olympics and to the world stage," he remarked.

Cherargei blasts Ababu Namwamba

In a separate report, Nandi senator Samson Cherargei, on Tuesday, August 29, sustained his tirades against Sports and Youth Affairs CS Ababu Namwamba, who he's accused of mishandling the docket.

This time, the senator picked issue with Ababu's absence at the country's August airport to receive the Kenyan athletes who participated in the World Athletics Championship recently held in Hungary's Budapest capital.

Cherargei picked holes with how the medalists were not honoured with the triumphant reception that he believed they deserved.

The senator laid the blame on Ababu, whom he took a jibe on, the leadership of Athletics Kenya, and the National Olympics Committee, both of which are charged with handling the athletes' affairs.