Hero’s welcome for Olympic marathoner Wanjiru

By DAVID MACHARIA for Daily Nation

Olympic champion Samuel Kamau Wanjiru was on Saturday given a hero’s welcome in Nyahururu and assured of a 24-hour security detail. Wanjiru had on his arrival in the country last Thursday expressed fears on his security and was quoted in the media as saying he could migrate to Japan where he could feel secure.

But on Saturday, Nyahururu Police commandant Daniel Masamba assured him that his security would be given priority. The KCC chairman Matu Wamae said the Olympic, London and Chicago marathons champion should be provided with a 24 hour security “so that he does not migrate to Japan over fears over his security”.

This was said during a fanfare filled home-coming reception at the NYahururu stadium. The Nyahururu deputy mayor Irene Wacuka led the crowd in saying five kikuyu traditional ululations for Wanjiru.

The deputy mayor said a street in Nyahururu town would be named after Wanjiru and urged the athlete to bring many of his foreign friends to visit the town. Musicians and comedians accompanied the procession that started in Nairobi on Friday and stopped over in Nyeri for the night before arriving in Nyahururu on Saturday.

Among the athletes present included multi paralympic medal winner Samuel Wanyoike who challenged Wanjiru to aim for more records in his career. Wanjiru holds Olympic marathon and the world half marathon records in addition to Chicago marathon course record.

Illicit brew

Kenya Dairy Board MD, Machira Gichohi, said Wanjiru would be used by the parastatal to spearhead a campaign against illicit brew consumption by youth. KCC chairman Matu Wamae said illicit brews had destroyed the lives of many young people in central province. He said his organisation gave funds to Athletics Kenya in a bid to tap talent through hosting youth races.

Addressing the crowd, Wanjiru urged the government to come up with projects that can keep the youths busy saying took illicit brews and drugs because of idleness. “They don’t drink because they like it but because they lack something to do”. he said adding that he was ready to sponsor events that could help youths realise their talent.