Let's Not Hate on Jebet, Rather Congratulate

So Kenyans all over social media are in a state after Ruth Jebet won the gold in the 3000m steeplechase at the recently finished Rio Olympics and surprisingly, it was on behalf of Bahrain instead of her home country – Kenya.

Reports suggest that she would not have been able to participate in the Olympics, had she not ran for another country. Apparently, Kenya has such a plethora of runners, her chances would have been very slim.

That being said, the financial aspect also comes into play – Ksh 52 million versus Ksh 1 million that she would have received from our government - is surely a factor that comes into play while making her decision.

While some may see it as a lack of patriotism, she has fully grasped an opportunity not availed to most, having developed her athletic career as a teenager and she is sure to go far.

Kenyans and Africans in general took to social media to express varied views including boy band Sauti Sol saying " It break our hearts to see Ruth Jebet win gold in women's 3000m steeplechase for Bahrain. Such a sad moment for . But still... Congratulations Jebet, you deserve it!". Jebet herself stated "I ran for Bahrain but I'm still a Kenyan by blood. That's why I came here directly from Rio."

Yes, we may criticise her but we also have reason to be proud – after all, she is fully Kenyan and the name Jebet says it all.