Sawe’s parents drove six hours from their home to be there with his supporters when he landed.
His Kenyan Airways plane was given a water cannon salute when it landed, as dancers and musicians performed.
The homecoming was a huge moment for Sawe and his family, and also for the country.
Speaking from the family home before going to the airport, Sawe’s father Simeon Sawe said: “He used to tell me that one day, he was going to break the record. He was so determined and hopeful that he would.
“I am happy for him and all of us here. We celebrated so much, my throat still hurts from all the cheering,” he added.
Sawe met Kenya’s President William Ruto on Thursday morning and was awarded two cheques worth 8m Kenya shillings ($62,000; £46,000) for breaking the marathon record and getting a gold medal. He also received a vehicle number plate 01:59:30 – his official record time.
Ruto described Sawe’s win as a “moment that is exceedingly rare” and not just a sporting triumph but “a defining moment in the history of human endurance”.
“Sabastian, you have not only broken a record, you have expanded the horizon of human potential,” the president said.
