While Eldoret gears up to officially achieve city status, a comically mismatched sculpture of renowned athlete Faith Kipyegon has become the focal point of public amusement.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
President William Ruto is set to award the Charter elevating Eldoret to city status to Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii on August 15, 2024. However, it is a recently unveiled statue that is capturing the most attention.
The statue, positioned at a roundabout near the Mediheal hospital town clinic, depicts a female athlete in a sprinting pose. Adorned in a vest with the Kenyan flag, the sculpture features the athlete clutching what appears to be a machete—a far cry from the standard depiction of an Olympic champion. The artistic representation has sparked a wave of humorous reactions online.
Kenyans took to social media to voice their amusement and critique. One comment humorously questioned, “Ignoring that the statue is very inaccurate, why is she holding a kitchen knife?”
Another user quipped, calling for the sculptor’s arrest ” Eldoret City set to honour multiple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon with a statue, the sculptor should be arrested immediately,”suggesting that the sculpture might look better once fully dried.
The statue has been compared unfavorably to the well-regarded statue of Eliud Kipchoge in Oregon, USA. Kenyans noted the contrast between the inspiring, high-quality depiction of Kipchoge and the less flattering portrayal of Kipyegon.
Comments ranged from“horrendous”to“shameful,” with one suggesting that Kipyegon might consider legal action against Uasin Gishu county.
One user compared the two statues saying that Kenyan athletes are more appreciated abroad than in their own home, ”Frame 1 is a statue of Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon intended to be unveiled by your favourite King of the Skies in Eldoret vs Frame 2 a statue of Kipchoge in a foreign country. Our athletes are valued highly abroad than home. In Kenya mediocrity is the norm.”
Another user had a similar comment saying, “Faith Kipyegon’s statue in Eldoret VS Eliud Kipchoge’s statue in Oregon. Outsiders respect our athletes more than us.”
And as if that wasn’t enough, Kenya’s version of Eliud Kipchoge’s statue has also caused a considerable amount of reactions. Amid the laughter, it was later reported that the county authorities had uprooted the statue…CONTINUE READING>>
