Legendary Kenyan athlete Nyantika Maiyoro laid to rest in Kisii

Legendary Kenyan athlete Nyantika Maiyoro was on

Friday

laid to rest in a solemn ceremony at his Nyataro home in Kisii County.

Calls for the government to honour and recognise retired athletes dominated the burial of the pioneer Kenyan athlete who died two weeks ago at a private hospital.

Nyantika, 88, left behind two widows Teresia Mogute, Tabitha Gekonde and 18 children.

Athletics fraternity led by Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei, legendary former Nock chairman Kipchoge Keino, Olympic gold medalists Ezekiel Nyamao and Charles Asati, two-time world champion Billy Konchella, former Boston marathon winner Lameck Aguta, Thomas Osano Charity Wanjiru and Sammy Kipkurgat led former and current athletes at the burial.

Athletics Kenya PRO Evans Bosire and Nyanza South chairman were also there.

Former KAAA chairman Sam Ongeri was also present alongside area MP Richard Tong’i.

They promised that the issue of Nyantika’s land will be addressed once and for all.

“At the moment, let the family mourn. All issues raised including land will be sorted,” Ongeri.

Konchella led calls for the county and national governments to honour them.

“We should be loved, recognised and honoured when we are alive. We have paid glowing tribute to Nyantika here but he is not hearing it. He died a painful death fighting for his land,” added Konchella.

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He agreed with Kisii county Roads executive Vincent Sagwe who proposed that Gusii Stadium be renamed after Nyantika.

“As one way of immortalizing him and having been the long-serving manager, I will propose to the governor to have the stadium renamed after him,” said Sagwe who represented Governor James Ongwae.

Konchella said, “We should be given Heads of State commendations, health insurance, monthly financial stipend and also have roads in various towns named after us.”

He said retired athletes should have a representative in the AK National Executive Committee.

Keino hailed Maiyoro for opening the way for them.

“He is the first athlete to put Kenya in the World map. I was with him in 1959 and it is very sad that we have lost him,” said the former Nock boss.

Tuwei conveyed condolences from President Uhuru Kenyatta, DP William Ruto, Sports CS Amina Mohammed and PS Kirimi Kaberia.

He hailed Nyantika and other retired athletes who selflessly represented the country in various sports events.

Tuweli announced that the widows of Nyantika and John Mayaka who was buried on

Thursday

will be invited to Nairobi by AK for further consultations.

“They represented the country selflessly sometimes without any pay. They were doing it for the love of their country,” said the AK supremo.

Asati and Nyamao who were part of the Kenyan quartet that won gold in 1972 Olympics also challenged the government to recognise and honour them when they are alive.

Nyamao said a grandson who was born on

Monday

was named Nyantika Maiyoro.

“When I was told it was a boy, I gave instructions that he should be named after my friend Nyantika,” he said.

Catholic Priest Godfrey Ototo who presided over the burial asked athletes to run clean.

“Athletes like Nyantika used to run clean. Young athletes should avoid doping because it will ruin their careers,” Ototo said.