- Most hiking enthusiasts love outdoor excursions, need time to reflect and want to challenge themselves to something exciting and exceptional.
- So it's understandable that Kirui’s fascination for Mt Everest was that it was done without supplemental oxygen except in life threatening situations.
Image: CHERUIYOT KIRUI
A Kenyan mountaineering giant, Cheruiyot Kirui, has rested at his heart's chosen paradise, the peak of the world's tallest mountain -Everest. Scaling Everest is not the kind of feat that mere world mortals would dream of, let alone dare. But Kirui ascended to more than 8,800 feet above sea level, a few meters to or from the summit without the use of supplemental oxygen! He died while on a very special mission. He never quit, he died trying.
The death of the giant unfortunately brings to the fore the ignorance or lack of awareness and recognition of hiking and nature excursion as an extraordinary sport or passion. In many parts of the world, hikers are celebrated heroes and sheroes.
For me, the death of comrade Kirui is a personal loss of an acquaintance, mentor and above all a supporter of the Climb for Justice Initiative which was kicked off in 2019 by the Defenders Coalition.
The organisation mobilised hiking enthusiasts to climb mountains with the noble purpose of raising funds to build a home for a group that it serves: frontline human rights advocates committed to the realisation of the 2010 Constitution and citizens' enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedom without discrimination.
True to their word, they have achieved a major milestone of purchasing land in Kajiado, where the training, innovation and respite centre for activists will soon be set up once their fundraising target of Sh50 million is met.
Kirui was our surprise guest for two hikes at the picturesque Elephant Hill and Rurimeria in the Aberdare ranges. The first time we hiked together Kirui had just arrived from hiking at the base camp on Mt Everest. He was simply one of us but he stood out for being calm, and nonchalant while some of us were loud, exuding confidence and excited about conquering Mt Kenya in 2019 and later Mt Kilimanjaro in 2021.
In hindsight, I now reflect that Kirui must have been amused by our ignorance and kindergarten bravado. We were a world apart in terms of athletic exploits and global hiking experience.
It is hard to explain the allure, fascination and adrenaline rush around climbing mountains which is a risky undertaking. But the same can be said about deep-sea diving, surfing or even top speed motorsport. It is no secret that Mt Everest is the everlasting home of more than 200 mountain climbers who never descended from this most challenging but rewarding excursion. We have similarly said goodbye to others closer home in comparatively less challenging Mt Kenya and Mt Kilimanjaro.
Most hiking enthusiasts love outdoor excursions, need time to reflect and want to challenge themselves to something exciting and exceptional. So it's understandable that Kirui’s fascination for Mt Everest was that it was done without supplemental oxygen except in life threatening situations.
Towards this objective he invested heavily in months of preparation, had a supportive team, medication and the right gear. Other people, albeit countable, have successfully achieved this feat that he felt ready and was determined to realise it. However, some things are simply beyond the best preparation and precautions. Like all of us who take hiking challenges, we are pretty much aware of the risks and that is why we invest considerably in preparations to the best of our abilities.
As we condole with family and friends of Kirui and as we ponder as to whether his body will be brought home for burial, I know for sure that he rested in one of the most beautiful places on earth: on a pure sheet of snow and breathtaking views where only a few that the mountains allow savour and live to tell.
His successful hiking career is awe-inspiring and calls for those in authority to make hiking experience better through installation of basic amenities like toilets, rescue pathways and liveable facilities.
As my team and I look forward to another walk on Kenya and Africa top summits of Mt Kenya and Mt Kilimanjaro later in the year, we shall be buoyed by Kirui’s courage, determination and resilience.
Rest well my hero Kirui. Continue watching over Mt.Everest as it watches over you.
Executive director, Defenders Coalition