Kenyan pioneer athlete Nyantika Maiyoro was laid to rest

Athletics Kenya President Lt. General (Rtd) Jack Tuwei addresses mourners during the burial ceremony of Kenya's pioneer international athlete Nyantika Maiyoro at his Kiogoro home in Kisii County. [Sammy Omingo/Standard]

Kenyan pioneer athlete Nyantika Maiyoro was laid to rest yesterday in Nyaribari Chache in Kisii with a call on Government to honour all retired athletes in the country.

Those who condoled with the family called for the inclusion of retired athletes in Athletics Kenya’s executive.

Narok County AK Chairman Billy Konchellah, a two-time world 800m champion, said they want direct representation in the Athletics Kenya.

“Maiyoro was hurt, we kept claiming for his honour but some people felt otherwise. The issue of honouring retired athletes after their deaths should come to an end. Officials at Athletics Kenya ignored our issues,” Konchella said.

Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri, who is the former chairman Kenya Amateur Athletics Association (KAAA), now Athletics Kenya, called on the government to respect the wishes of Maiyoro. “Let’s give room to the family to mourn in peace and stop unnecessary wrangles. His land must be returned.”

Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei mourned Maiyoro saying he competed for the country and not for his selfish gains. “These are the people we need to remember as our heroes. We are going to work closely with the family.”

Tuwei presented to the family condolence message form President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto and Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed.

Area MP Richard Tongi said he was willing to offer necessary support to the family. “All leaders from the region should be ready to support all our heroes and heroines. We have a responsibility to recognise them as role models.”

Maiyoro was the first top Kenyan long distance runner. He finished fourth in the three-miles at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games and, at that competition in 1958, he was placed 12th in the three-miles and was eliminated in the heats of the mile.

At the 1956 Olympics, he captained the Kenyan athletics team. He had first been noticed in 1952 when he won the Empire Games 5K in Madagascar, despite starting the race late because he did not understand the instructions.

At the 1954 AAA Championships in London, Maiyoro finished fourth in the three-miles, stunning the British crowd, who had never seen African distance runners at the top level.

The deceased was initially employed as a veterinary scout by the colonial officers. He would later become the caretaker of Kisii Municipal Stadium, retiring in 2002.

He was made a Member of British Empire (MBE), by the Queen Elizabeth of England in 1961, was awarded the Silver Star Medal by retired President Moi in 1987, and was given the Distinguished Service Award by Kenyatta University in 1995.

Due to his outstanding performance on the track, President Jomo Kenyatta awarded him with a piece of land at Isoge Settlement Scheme in Borabu Constituency Nyamira.

Maiyoro, who was Kenya’s first athlete to compete in a global contest at the 1954 Commonwealth Games, led the Kenyan team that had 4x440 relay greats Bartojo Rotich, Wanyoike Kamau, Musembi Mbathi alongside Silas Kibet Boit and Kiptalam Keter in 800 yards –4x400m.

He ran barefoot and without international experience as he competed against then experienced athletes Chris Chatterway and Frank Sand of England and finished fourth in 5000m in 13:43.8.

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