Leaders unite to mourn legendary athlete Maiyoro

Kenya's pioneer international athlete (right) greets Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Gusii Stadium during the closing ceremony of Inter-County games on18/8/2018 [PHOTO: Sammy Omingo]

Legendary Kenyan track and field athlete Nyantika Maiyoro died Sunday night at the age of 88.

The veteran had been ailing for some time and was admitted at the Christamarianne Hospital in Kisii County, where he is said to have been diagnosed with Tuberculosis.

According to his son, Kennedy Nyantika, the retired athlete went into a coma on Sunday, February 24 after developing breathing problems.

"Mzee has left us. I'm now preparing his body for the morgue," Mr. Nyantika said on Sunday night.

Last week, Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’I and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya members had pledged to assist Maiyoro to clear his medical bills after appealed for help.

“In recognition of this indelible contribution to our sports, The National Olympic Committee of Kenya will, in the meantime, offer some financial support to Nyantika towards his current medical attention,” read NOCK’s press statement sent to newsrooms.

Nyantika won the 3000 meters race at the 1953 Indian Ocean Games in Madagascar before competing for Kenya at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

The Hero’s death has been followed by heartfelt reactions from leading persons in the country. Here are some of the statements:

Kisii Governor James Ongwae

"It's with deep sorrow that I learnt of the sudden demise of athletics icon Nyantika Mayioro, he will be truly remembered for his outstanding contribution in athletics in Kenya and indeed in the world "

Nyamira Governor Nyagarama 

"On my own behalf, my family and that of the county government of Nyamira l wish to extend my heartful condolence to the family and friends of the legendary athlete Nyandika Mayioro who passed on yesterday evening".

Apostle Kennedy Maiyoro (Eldest son)

“We have lost a mentor and father who always talked of family unity. He died while fighting to have his children get formal employment.

Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei

"I have learned with great shock the double tragedy in Gusiiland, which has robbed us of John Mayaka, who was a great javelin thrower and Nyantika Maiyoro, I join the athletics family during this sad moment and urge fellow athletes to join the families of the departed colleagues in prayers."

Former NOCK President Paul Tergat

"I send my personal condolences and those of pioneer athletes to the family, friends and relatives of the late Maiyoro,”

Athletics Kenya Nyanza South chairman Peter Angwenyi

“We are mourning great athletes who rose through difficulty to the apex of his careers during those formative years of Kenya scaling the heights of global athletics success,"

Athletics Kenya public relations officer Evans Bosire 

“It’s a very sad time for us to lose two heroes. May the Almighty Father guide the families of Mzee Nyantika and Mzee Mayaka,"