Olympic legend Daniel Rudisha Matasi was laid to rest in a quiet burial in his home at Oltanki village in Transmara West, Narok county, on Monday.
Dozens of athletes in attendance called for the setting up of a memorial stadium in Kilgoris in honour of the Rudisha who died a fortnight ago in Nakuru.
Those who spoke included Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi, former Commonwealth Games and Africa champion Richard Mateelong, Benjamin Limo, Billy Konchella, Tecla Sang, Moses Tanui and Kipchoge Keino.
They said there is still sporting talent that needs to be nurtured among upcoming youth in the country.
The event was attended by Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina.
World record holder David Rudisha has already purchased a Sh9 million piece of land in Kilgoris town on which the family wishes to build a stadium.
While eulogizing his late father, Rudisha said the family gained much wisdom and strength from him that will last a life time.
“He has been a source of inspiration to us and the families. Our dad would never pride himself of his good deeds or seek to elevate himself through connections. He was a humble man who never sought recognition for his generosity,” the champion said.
Former world 800 meters champion Billy Konchellah who hails from the region raised a red flag on doping among Kenyan athletes, saying it is denting the image of the sport.
He said many brilliant sporting talents have been ended by doping, adding that strict measures should be taken by the government and relevant agencies to curb the vice.
Konchellah especially called for improved capacity of the national anti-doping agency to fight the practice.
“Kenya is now on the watch list of countries where doping is widely practised and we cannot afford this,” he said.
Athletics legend Kipchoge Keino described Rudisha as a hero and a person whose example should emulated in sports.
He urged athletes across the country to leave a mark by starting projects that perpetuate their legacy once they have retired.
“I have overseen the implementation of many projects named after me both in Kenya and outside the country. Some of the projects include: Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Kipchoge Keino Primary School with 487 pupils as well as Kepchoge Keino Secondary School with about 300 students. The people of Narok should do the same by naming one of the stadiums and schools after Daniel Rudisha,” he said.
