Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has congratulated world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge on being named the world male athlete of the year.
In a tweet moments after Kipchoge bagged the award, Odinga paid his tributes, describing the marathoner as an inspiration.
He urged Kipchoge to continue setting an example for other athletes in Kenya and raising the country's profile globally.
"Congratulations Eliud Kipchoge on winning the World Male Athlete of the Year 2019 award. You are an inspiration to many and keep flying the Kenyan flag high globally as well as being a great role model for athletes in our nation, " the former prime minister wrote.
Kipchoge was among a group of elite athletes who had been nominated for the coveted award.
The award comes weeks after he pulled off a sub-2 hour marathon run in Vienna, Austria, becoming the first human being to do so.
He likened the breath-taking record, which was christened the Ineos 1:59 challenge, to the first human landing on the moon.
President Uhuru Kenyatta recognised his achievement during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at the Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa County.