World’s fastest man thrills Kenyans

By James Ratemo

The world’s fastest man has adopted a cheetah, the fastest animal on earth, to help conserve the endangered species.

World 100m and 200m record holder, Usain Bolt (left) flashes the ‘Bolt Arm’ to President Mwai Kibaki at Harambee House, Nairobi, Monday. [PHOTO:PPS]

Prime Minister Raila Odinga was not left behind: He chose a lion cub and named it ‘Agwambo’, a popular nickname of his that means ‘puzzle’. Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt adopted a three-month-old cheetah cub at the Animal Orphanage in Nairobi’s National Park Monday. Earlier, Bolt paid a courtesy call on President Kibaki at Harambee House.

During the meeting, Kibaki and the Jamaican champion discussed the activities of the Zeitz Foundation, which advocates sustainable use of the environment. President Kibaki congratulated the athlete and encouraged him to make more visits to the country.

Warm welcome

Bolt said he was accorded a warm reception and appreciated Kenyan hospitality. The world sprint champion said he plans to visit again.

At the national park, Bolt posed with an adult cheetah before bottle-feeding the cub he adopted.

"I must confess I was a bit scared at the sight of the cheetah… I am delighted to be part of the conservation drive," said Bolt.

Bolt named the cub ‘Lightning Bolt’ and will contribute towards its upkeep. It is among three cheetah cubs rescued in Meru, after their mother abandoned them.

PM Raila Odinga with a cheetah cub adopted by Usain Bolt at the Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters, Monday. [PHOTO: Boniface Okendo /STANDARD]

The 100m and 200m world record holder had been to Segera Ranch in Laikipia where the Zeitz Foundation has established a conservation site.

Mr Jochen Zeitz, chairman of sports apparel manufacturer Puma, established the foundation.

Boost fund

The wildlife adoption is a boost to the recently unveiled Kenya Wildlife Endowment Fund designed to provide consistent funding in the face of erratic tourism income.

The lion cub Raila adopted is among the four cubs rescued in Samburu Game Reserve after a Maasai moran killed their mother. Raila called on Kenyans to take conservation of wildlife and forests seriously , saying Kenya is privileged to host a wide range of wild animals.

"We have a responsibility as a nation to preserve these animals… we should take conservation as a civic duty," said Raila.

Raila’s daughter Rosemary Odinga also adopted a lion cub that she named ‘Safi’. Raila called on Kenya Wildlife Service Director Julius Kipng’etich to ensure harsher punishment for poachers.

Accompanying Bolt and the PM were Tourism and Wildlife ministers Najib Balala and Noah Wekesa.

Bolt commands universal celebrity status and his visit is a boost to the country’s tourism.