Kirinyaga-based canoeist Muturi targets Olympics glory

A 29-year-old Kirinyaga man is yearning to represent Kenya at the 2028 Olympic Games in Slalom Canoe Kayak sport.

If his dream comes true, Samuel Muturi from Sagana will be the first Kenyan to represent the country in the little-known discipline.

Muturi made history when he became the first Kenyan Slalom Canoe Kayak to reach the semifinals at the 2019 World Championships in La Seu d’Urgell in Spain.

He has now embarked on rigorous training in readiness for the 2028 Olympics.

“I will have to give it all and I am sure I will be at the Olympics in 2028,” he said.

He has been to Spain thrice and Slovakia once for the World Championships.

“I have participated in several events, four world championships and three Africa championships including the Africa Olympic qualifiers held in Sainte Suzanne, La Reunion, in February,” he said.

Muturi, who ventured into the sport about 15 years ago, trains at Sagana (Tana River).

It is his home’s vicinity to the river that motivated him to venture into the sport.

“My home is not far from River Tana. I used to swim in the river and I would see people kayaking and rafting down the river. Then I was like wow! It’s a good sport. I decided to join,” he said.

He met Titus Mukundi, who introduced him to the sport and under who he still trains.

Muturi does White Water, which is more extreme, and features in categories K1 and C1.

“Muturi is doing White Water, the very fast water,” says Mukundi.

Mukundi says: “Muturi is talented. We began with him from when he was in primary school."

The coach, who started training in the sport in 2005, says they are on a mission to popularise and grow the sport even as they seek to unearth the next generation of talented youngsters.

However, the two lamented the high cost of equipment which are also not available locally.

“The equipment is expensive. From the boots, helmet, life jacket and the other attires we use. They can only be found overseas,” he said.

They believe with proper equipment, Kenyan players can perfect their game and bring home Olympic medals.

Their training is also interrupted during the rainy season since the river overflows making it risky to venture into.

They are contemplating setting up their course.

However, they have received the backing of Sportpesa, who have pledged to support their activities through the 'Tujiamini Initiative.'

Muturi won the Central region Tujiamini Initiative contest, earning Sh500,000 from the gaming firm, presented by the communication and advertising manager, Willis Ojwang.

To give back to society and ensure the continuity of the game even after he calls it quits, Muturi has brought over a dozen youngsters whom he mentors and trains.