Mt Elgon celebrates Masai’s triumph

By Robert Wanyonyi

Bugaa village in Mt Elgon district went into a celebratory mood following the stunning victory of Linet Masai in the World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Germany.

Speaking to FeverPitch at the home of Masai, about four kilometres from Kapsokwony town, the mother, Leonida Cherop thanked God for the victory.

She said the victory was impressive considering Ethiopians have dominated the race.

"I thank God for enabling my children, Linet and Moses Masai to perform well in the championships," she said.

Masai won gold in the women 10,000m while her brother won bronze the men 10,000m. The performance of the two remained the talk for town for the better part of day.

Homecoming ceremony

Cherop said through her children’s hard work on the track, the family has managed to put up two permanent houses at the homestead, bought some dairy cows as well as two acres of land in Mt Elgon and another 100 acres in Trans Nzoia.

The grandfather, Japheth Ngeiywa was full of praise of his grandchildren for following the footsteps of legendary athlete Ben Jipcho, who is a distant uncle.

Ngeiywa announced that the community is organising a grand homecoming ceremony where visitors will be treated to a feast.

"I followed the race on television and it really gave me pride when I realised it was my grand daughter who beat the rest while his brother also managed to bring glory," he said.

As The Standard team entered the homestead, they found Masai’s younger brother Ndiema Masai, a Class eight pupil at Kapsokwony Primary undertaking his early morning training.

Brother and sister

Ndiema said he also does the 10,000m like his senior bother and sister.

"I am now going to train hard after seeing my seniors excel," he said. He noted that he trains with them when they are at home.

"I have participated in the race many times and done well. I am working on bettering my time," he added.

The uncle, Mr Stephen Cheptek, a secondary school teacher at Kapsokwony High, described how the mountain region went into celebrations after the news broke.

"We were watching news at the time. I cannot describe the celebrations that followed," he added.

Cheptek expressed his gratitude that after years of instability in the region, during which Mt Elgon featured as a war zone, the area is reclaiming its lost glory.

He noted that youths from the area have begun training and bringing out their talent.

He appealed to the Government to set up a high altitude training center in the district.

 

 

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