National Assembly deputy speaker Gladys Shollei has congratulated athletes Robert Kipkemboi and Naomi Jebet for winning the Nairobi City Marathon.
The two were crowned champions after reigning supreme in their respective races.
Speaking in an interview on KTN News on Monday, Shollei said she has always had a soft spot for athletes and even hosted many in her house recently.
"I know a lot of athletes and recently hosted some of them in my house. I have a soft spot and great regard for them," she said.
The deputy speaker said she has always respected and appreciated athletes because their work entails hard work and effort.
She said she has always believed athletes get what they get from their sheer discipline.
"To be an athlete you do not have to have networks like jobs where you have someone helping you out to secure the job or even get to the top. Here you are in that field by yourself," Shollei said.
During the marathon, Kipkemboi dropped the leading pack after the 36km mark on his way to crossing the tape in 2:07:38.
He beat Charles Mneria who clocked a personal best of 2:08:04 to second.
Jebet on the other hand dropped the leading pack after the 35km mark on her way to victory.
The 2019 Kasa International Marathon champion clocked 2:24:33 ahead of Sharlon Chelimo who settled for second in 2:25:20.