Kemboi who went above his coach and mentor, Moses Tanui, who completed the 1991, 93 and 95 hat-trick with his fourth medal, dedicated his latest success to popular local crooner, Charles Njagua Kanyi commonly known as Jaguar, flamboyant Nairobi Senator, Mike Sonko and Ida Odinga, spouse to former Premier, Raila Odinga who was celebrating her birthday as he raced to history.
The colourful champion whose staggering achievements now read two Olympics gold medals, four world titles, three Worlds silver and a Commonwealth crown to his overflowing medal cabinet once again turned up for another decider sporting an eye catching reverse Mohawk hairstyle- his signature way of saying, “I’m ready for battle.”
“Sonko called me on Sunday to wish me the best. He is my friend and Jaguar is doing a good job in fighting drug abuse. This is history. To win four titles is not easy and I’m delighted to beat the record of my coach,” the ecstatic Kemboi uttered at the bowels of the Bird’s Nest after his latest conquest.
It was a joyous medal return to the same stadium for Brimin, who closed the podium for bronze having won the Olympics title in 2008 where Kemboi finished seventh, the worst result of his astounding championship career.
“We planned to go out as a team and then compete for the individual medals and our plan for the podium sweep worked,” the Osaka 2007 world champion said after returning to the podium since the Japan edition of the Worlds.
Having stated his mission to end Kemboi’s reign, circuit king, Jairus Birech who came in as the number one steeplechaser in the world was saddened by finishing just outside the podium as he failed to add to his African title and Commonwealth silver.
“I got stuck in the water barrier and then I could not overcome the last barrier and that affected my race,” the IAAF Diamond League champion and current leader uttered.
Kenyans celebrated Kemboi’s latest dance around the best assembly of steeple chasers the world could throw at him as congratulatory messages flooded social media after his landmark triumph, with the star trending at number two on Twitter as at 19:38 (+3GMT) local time.
“Congratulations Ezekiel Kemboi, Conseslus Kipruto & Brimin Kipruto for the clean sweep in the 3000m steeplechase,” president Uhuru Kenyatta tweeted to his over one million followers.
“Congratulations to one of my Presidential Escort officer, Ezekiel Kemboi and his entire 3,000m team for the clean sweep. #MagicalKenya,” the Head of State added.
“Bravo Ezekiel Kemboi for winning in the 3000m steeplechase final and Vivian for reclaiming her title in the 10,000m at IAAF in #Beijing2015,” his deputy, William Samoei Ruto also wrote to his 595,000 followers on the same platform.
“Ezekiel Kemboi has got to be the Greatest Steeplechaser EVER..He wins GOLD at the World Championship followed by THREE other Kenyans..Oh MY!” popular television host, Jeff Koinange offered.
“Congratulations Ezekiel Kemboi for taking his fourth world title in a row. Your 3000m steeplechase champ in 8:11.28!” world governing body, IAAF paid homage to the greatest water and barriers exponent alive.
“Kenya 1,2,3 what a devastating finish by Ezekiel Kemboi to silence all his critics. A living legend!” Senator Kipchumba Murkomen cheered.
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