Tribute: Man on 180-kilometre trek wants stadium named after legendary athlete

A former chief in Baringo County has embarked on a 180-kilometre trek to Kericho hoping to convince the local government to name to name Kericho Green Stadium after legendary athlete Wilson Kiprugut Arap Chumo who died in November last year aged 90.

Chumo was a Kenyan sprinter and middle-distance runner. He became known after competing at the 1964 Tokyo and 1968 Mexico Olympics and won two medals in the 800-metre event.

In 1964, he also ran 400 metres even though he failed to reach the final. But what is even more notable about Chumo is that he was the first ever Kenyan and African to win an Olympic medal, a fete that put him right at the heart of Kenya's athletics history.

And the sweltering heat, hills and valleys notwithstanding, the former Kimoso chief, in Salawa, Mr Joseph Malatit Chebii says he will stop at nothing as he seeks to have Chumo honoured following his exploits, especially in the Olympics.

The 63-year-old Malatit is undertaking the extraordinary journey that started on Monday, to Kericho County, hoping to arrive at his destination on Friday.

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Malatit spent the first night at Tenges, after covering approximately 50 kilometres. The following day, he reached Saos after covering around 30 kilometres. The Standard team caught up with him on Wednesday in Eldama Ravine even as he continued advancing toward his destination, his resolve appearing unwavering.

"I am on this journey to Kericho to urge the county government to rename Kericho Green Stadium to Kiprugut Chumo Green Stadium. We need to acknowledge the incredible contributions of our athletes to our nation. I kindly request Governor Eric Mutai to welcome me so I can pass my message to him in person," said Malatit.

He said: "It will take me about five days to reach Kericho, a journey that will cover roughly 185 kilometres from Salawa in Baringo County. I hope to arrive there by Friday."

Donned in a white dust coat, Malatit also carried a short beaded club, reminiscent of his Kalenjin tradition.

He is also carrying a green flag bearing the words "Kiprugut Chumo Stadium Kericho", and a bag containing a bottle of honey and bottled water. 

"I wear this white dust coat to signify peace. The club I carry is part of our Kalenjin tradition, and the flag is meant to convey my message easily to people along the road. As you can see, I have inscribed 'Kiprugut Chumo' on it, with the green colour representing Kericho Green Stadium," he said.

Malatit vividly remembers 1964 when Kiprugut became the first Kenyan and African to win an Olympic medal in Tokyo, Japan, when he earned a bronze in the 800 meters.

"We should take immense pride in his remarkable contribution to our nation. Just imagine being the first African to win an Olympic medal. That is a major achievement of great significance. We must ensure the coming generation knows about this heroic figure who brought immense pride and honour to our nation," Malatit said.

Kiprugut died on November 1 last year at his Kipchebor home near Kericho town.

This is not Malatit's first such journey. In August 2021, he embarked on a gruelling 350-kilometre trek from Salawa to Nairobi, to push for the construction of Kabarnet Stadium in his home county so the facility can be used to nurture sporting talent.

In February 2022, he walked 105 kilometres to Eldoret, promoting alternative conflict resolution following the tragic murder of athlete Agnes Tirop in October 2021.

At the 1962 Commonwealth Games, Chumo was part of the Kenyan 4 × 440 relay team which finished fifth. He later went on to win the 880 silver medal at the 1966 Commonwealth Games.

He won two gold medals (in the 400 and 800 metres) at the inaugural All-Africa Games in 1965. In 2010, Chumo won the Kenyan Sports Personality of the Year award.

Chumo was born and bred in Kericho. He began running while at Kaptebeswet Primary School and Sitotwet Intermediate School. His talent was first identified when he ran at the East and Central African Championships where he won three 880-yard titles.

Kenya's initial participation in the Olympic Games in 1956 yielded no medals, and the chase for Olympic glory proved elusive for years.

However, in 1964 Kiprugut emerged as a trailblazer, putting Kenya and Africa on the global map, and becoming the first Kenyan and African to win an Olympic medal.

Kiprugut's excellence extended beyond the Olympics. In 1965, he clinched two gold medals in the 400 and 800-meter races at the inaugural All-African Games in Brazzaville, Congo. The following year, he participated in the Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica, securing another bronze medal in the 880 yards.

During the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico, Kiprugut added a silver medal to his collection. He concluded his active athletics career in 1969, transitioning to a role as a fitness instructor in the army until his retirement in 1974.

As Malatit advances toward his goal, he carries the aspiration of honouring a true Kenyan hero, to ensure the legacy of Kiprugut lives on.

With every stride in Malatit's ongoing journey, he has one message – the dedication of a single individual possesses the potential to ignite transformative change and safeguard the legacies of our heroes.

"I eagerly anticipate the day when Kericho Green Stadium will bear the name of the late Wilson Kiprugut Chumo, a timeless tribute to a genuine Kenyan legend," Malatit said.