63 year old retired chief embarks on 185 Km Journey demanding better recognition of Kenyan Athletes!
– Malatit is concerned that Kenyan athletes are not well celebrated-
By Victoria Chesang
A retired assistant chief of Kimoso location ,Salawa area Baringo Central constituency , Malalit Arap Chebii aged 63 has embarked on a 185 km journey from Salawa to Makutano town in West Pokot County with an aim of promoting peace among athletes .
On February , 12th 2022, Malatit walked 105 km from his home in Salawa Baringo county to Kapseret sub county in Uasin Gishu , to attend the memorial service of the late Record-breaking long-distance runner Agnes Tirop .
Malatit is concerned that Kenyan athletes are not well celebrated despite bringing fame to the country.
‘What encourages me to walk this long distance is because I love athletes, I am not an athlete myself but I love their dedication , they have brought our country many medals and fame” Opined Malatit.
Malatit plans to reach Makutano after a five days walk while wanting the Makutano Stadium to be renamed after Tecla Lorupe , a retired long-distance track and road runner.
‘It will take me five days to reach Kapenguria , and my aim of walking to Kapenguria is because I am championing for the Makutano stadium to be named Tecla Lorupe Makutano Stadium” he said.
Malatit said despite Tecla’s winning several medals during her prime days she has not been appreciated enough and renaming the Stadium will bring her honour .
‘She is a lover of peace and a strong athlete, and has shown her tenacity by bringing home several medals making Kenya proud and so it will be good for her to be respected by having the stadium named after her “
Tecla Lorupe is my heroine and she will remain to be our heroine .He Added
The government has been implored to better reward Kenyan Athletes and ensure their safety .
In the recent past Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua are some of the world celebrated athletes who have lost their lives in unclear circumstances in Iten , Elgeyo Marakwet County .