Deaf athlete Ian Wambui Kahinga returned to Kenya amid celebrations after winning gold and setting a world record at the Tokyo Deaflympics. The 24-year-old taxi driver from Nyahururu was greeted by colleagues and family at the airport. His achievements will earn him a government award of Sh11 million.
Ian Wambui Kahinga, a deaf athlete from Laikipia County, arrived back in Kenya on November 28, 2025, following his participation in the 25th Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, from November 15-26. He shattered the world and Deaflympics records in the 5,000m race with a time of 13:52.83, surpassing the previous mark of 14:02.90 set by fellow Kenyan Symon Cherono Kibai in 2013. He also claimed gold in the 10,000m on the first day of competition.
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, he was received by cultural drummers, government officials, his wife Serah Wachira, and a convoy of fellow taxi drivers. "I feel good because I got the medal in Tokyo and my family is here to receive me. I'm very happy to see them smiling," Wambui said.
For these accomplishments, he will receive Sh3 million per gold medal and Sh5 million for the world record, totaling Sh11 million. Wambui, who works as a taxi driver, pledged to continue training to inspire youth in Nyahururu. "I believe these medals will motivate many people. They've seen that I've broken the world record, so if we train together, they will be encouraged to win medals, break records, and grow," he added.
His wife, Serah Wachira, praised his dedication: "I'm very happy and I thank God for helping him win. He's been training hard, and I'll continue to encourage him to get more medals." Coach Samuel Kibet noted their goal was to break the 10,000m and 5,000m world records, urging sponsors to support deaf athletes to uncover more talents.