Athlete laid to rest

Veteran Kenyan athlete Nyantika Maiyoro from Kisii County who died recently at the age of 81 years was on Friday laid to rest at his Nyataro home in Kiogoro village where mourners described him as a patriot and peace maker.
The remains of Nyantika were interred in his home village in a ceremony befitting a nationalist.
Nyantika went into the annals of history for electrifying the field in the 5,000 metres race during the 1957 Olympic Games after getting into the race late when his competitors had already covered 100 meters at Melbourne in Australia.
He went on to win the race despite being a late entrant owing to his lack of understanding of the English language.
Among the mourners were athletics administrators, veterans, sports lovers and political leaders who hailed the athlete saying he had sacrificed for the country.
Kisii Senator Prof. Sam Ongeri said the late Nyantika and other athletes had brought peace to the country and appealed to politicians not to rock the calm Kenyans are enjoying.
Area MP Richard Tong’i commended President Uhuru Kenyatta for assisting the family foot the funeral expenses.
By Jane Naitore