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Kenyans were not amused by the statue of Faith Kipyegon in Eldoret compared to Eliud Kipchoge's in Oregon before it was removed following the uproar.
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.
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.
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08:35 - 15.08.2024
Statue of alleged Faith Kipyegon removed overnight amid public criticism in Eldoret
Eldoret removed a controversial statue resembling Faith Kipyegon overnight due to public criticism, ahead of its elevation to city status.
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.
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15:00 - 14.08.2024
Eliud Kipchoge reveals thoughts as he withdrew from Olympic marathon & why he could not finish race
The five-time Berlin Marathon champion has explained what was going on in his mind as he withdrew from the men's Olympic marathon and why he could not finish the race.
The statue has been compared unfavorably to the well-regarded statue of Eliud Kipchoge in Oregon, USA.
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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.
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06:34 - 14.08.2024
Comparing Team Kenya's performance: Paris Olympics vs delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Team Kenya's performance at the Paris Olympic Games was slightly better than the performance at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics with the LA 2028 Olympic Games promising better results.
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.
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08:58 - 15.08.2024
Emmanuel Wanyonyi reveals secret to his Paris Olympics heroics
Emmanuel Wanyonyi has detailed what pushed him to become the youngest Kenyan to win the men's 800m title at the Olympic Games.
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Amid the laughter, it was later reported that the county authorities had uprooted the statue.
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