Kenyan boxing Olympian Elizabeth Andiego hospitalised after accident

ANDIEGO IN HOSPITAL
Elizabeth Andiego at Kenyatta National Hospital awaiting to go to the theatre last evening. [PHOTO:ERICK OCHIENG'/STANDARD]

Kenyan boxing Olympian Elizabeth Andiego's hopes of participating in the Rio Games hang in the balance after she was involved in a near-fatal accident in Nairobi on Monday night.  

Andiego, who was riding home on a motorcycle, was hit by a speeding taxi that left her with a fractured leg and a cracked skull along Nairobi's Kangundo Road.

The sensational boxer was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital by a good Samaritan.

"The taxi, belonging to Kenatco Taxi Company, hit us before landing in a ditch. The registration number was KCB 410B," she told FeverPitch from her Kenyatta Hospital bed yesterday. "The driver took off immediately but I was able to get the details of the car."

Andiego, who fears for her career following the accident, hopes to get back on her feet soon to carry on her 2016 Rio Olympics dream.

She was set to contest for a slot that would lead to the Olympics, All Africa Games in Brazzaville in September and the Senior Africa Boxing Championship during the Boxing Association of Kenya national selection event in Nairobi on April 22-26.

Contacted, Kenatco Operation Manager Kennedy Kamau acknowledged the accident and said the company would ensure Andiego got the best treatment possible.

"I have dispatched a team to Mama Lucy Hospital where the woman was first admitted. They will proceed to Kenyatta Hospital to see what we can do. Our security officer, Michael Ng'ong'a, has gone to Buru Buru Police Station to record a statement. We are working around the clock to help Andiego get back on her feet soon," Kamau told FeverPitch by phone yesterday.

Boxing Association of Kenya President John Kameta said the accident came at a time when the country was on the verge of crucial international qualifications.

"Andiego has been our greatest hope in women's boxing. The federation and the Sports ministry will do what we can to support her during this time," said Kameta.