- Beatrice Gatonye moderated the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in her hometown of Eldoret
- Her late father, Joseph Gatonye Kimani, received a posthumous national honour from President William Ruto
- Joseph was recognised for his contributions to transport, cooperative leadership and community development in Uasin Gishu County
Popular MC and television presenter Beatrice Gatonye Ngetich found herself at the centre of a deeply emotional Mashujaa Day this year, after her late father was formally recognised as a national hero during the very celebrations she was hosting.
Source: Facebook
Gatonye served as one of the moderators at the 2026 Mashujaa Day national celebrations held at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret on 20 October, a city she calls home.
The occasion carried extraordinary personal significance when President William Ruto's government posthumously honoured her father, Joseph Gatonye Kimani, under the Entrepreneurship and Industry category.
What did Beatrice Gatonye say about the award?
In a statement shared with TUKO.co.ke, Gatonye reflected on what the moment meant to her.
"Being one of the moderators at the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium will forever remain one of the proudest moments of my career," she wrote, adding that stepping onto the stage as "a true daughter of the soil" was an experience filled with both pride and gratitude.
She expressed her appreciation to the president directly, writing:
"Thank you Your Excellency William Samoei Ruto for this honour," and described her father as "the greatest hero I have ever known."
Joseph Gatonye Kimani's recognition was backed by an official citation from the National Heroes Council.
According to the document, he was honoured for his contribution to the socio-economic development of Uasin Gishu County and surrounding communities.
His work spanned the transport industry, where he championed the welfare of operators through cooperative leadership, as well as his role as chairperson of the Council of Elders.
He also served as chairperson of the Uasin Gishu Farmers SACCO and a transport SACCO, where he worked to mobilise members and drive economic empowerment.
The certificate of recognition was officially issued on October 20, 2026.
See the post below:
Kenyans celebrate
After Gatonye shared the news online, friends and followers flooded the comments section with warm messages.
James Mulei wrote:
"My old friend keep winning," while Peter Kaguru added, "Our Daughter you made us proud congratulations 🎊 the sky is the limit. May our Lord continue blessing you."
Gilbert Lang'at offered:
"I share in your joy, it was nice seeing you on stage," and Javan K Tarno simply congratulated her.
Martin Kalabayi also chimed in, writing:
"My very own sister, Beatrice Gatonye Ngetich."
For Gatonye, the day brought together two worlds: her professional achievement as a sought-after MC on the national stage and her family's pride in a father whose quiet but impactful service to his community finally received formal recognition from the government.
Did Ruto's mother attend Mashujaa Day?
TUKO.co.ke also highlighted facts about Mama Sarah Cheruiyot’s appearance at the Mashujaa Day celebrations, where her floral Ankara dress drew attention.
In the past, Ruto has credited his mother’s influence with shaping his values and journey. Her story includes the sacrifices she made to support her children’s education.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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