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Kenyan Statues Removed After Public Backlash Over Poor Representation of Athletes

Posted : 17 August 2024

In Kenya's Eldoret city centre, three statues of prominent athletes were taken down within a day after facing intense backlash on social media. The statues, which were meant to honour the athletes as part of a special ceremony for Kenya's Medal City, were widely criticized as "embarrassing" and described by some as a "bad joke." The swift removal followed the uproar over their appearance and representation.

 

Eldoret, often referred to as the "House of Champions," is located in the Rift Valley, a region famous for producing some of the world's best Kenyan athletes. The statues were intended to symbolize the region's rich sporting heritage. However, instead of celebrating this legacy, they became the subject of widespread ridicule and disappointment among the public.

 

The controversy was particularly heated over the statue of Faith Kipyegon, a world record holder and gold medallist in the 1,500 meters at the Paris Olympics. Thousands of Kenyan social media users criticized the statue for its poor design and lack of respect for Kipyegon's achievements. The statue, meant to honour her extraordinary accomplishments, was instead labelled as "embarrassing" and "improper," prompting calls for its removal.

 

In response, local authorities quietly removed the statues overnight, including one of marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, just before President William Ruto granted Eldoret official city status. It remains unclear if or when the statues will be replaced. Meanwhile, President Ruto hosted a ceremony for the athletes who won medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Kenya finished 17th in the medal table, leading African countries with four golds and 11 medals overall.

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