County honours Olympics star Obiri during Mashujaa Day fete

Kisii Governor James Ongwae has recognised 5000m Olympic Silver medallist Hellen Obiri as one of the heroines who deserve praise.

Obiri came second behind Kenya’s Vivian Cheruiyot at the Rio Olympics.

During the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Gusii Stadium, the county boss said Ms Obiri is a role model to many young people in the county.

“We salute our recent heroine, (our) daughter Hellen Obiri who recently did the county proud by winning a silver medal in 5,000m at the Olympic Games in Brazil.

Her exploits helped put Kisii and Kenya on the world map and testifies to the fact that with hard work, it can be done,” said the governor.

The county boss also paid tribute to two other retired athletes from Kisii — Charles Asati, who was in the 4 by 400metres relay team that won the 1972 Olympics and Nyantika Mayioro, who won the 3000 metres at the 1953 Indian Ocean Games in Madagascar despite starting the race late. He joined it when other runners were more than 100 metres but still went ahead to win.

He also honoured Ms Moraa Ngiti and Mr Otenyo Nyamaterere who led the Abagusii against the colonial rule in early 1900s.

“We salute our heroes, known and unknown, for their resoluteness in advancing the cause for fundamental rights such as freedom, self-rule and property ownership,” he said.