Another landmark for Rudisha

Edwin Nyarangi | NATION
World 800 metres record holder David Rudisha and his new wife Elizabeth Naanyu (right) at the weekend during their wedding.

What you need to know:

  • Runner’s best man, Moses Tangui, his usual race pace setter, this time changes his position and follows Rudisha from behind at ceremony

David Lekuta Rudisha, crowned his glorious year by walking down the aisle with his long time girlfriend Elizabeth Naanyu in Kilgoris over the weekend.

By getting married to Liz, IAAF World Athlete of the Year Rudisha became a “total man and a champion” according to Maasai culture.

The couple tied the knot at the Trans Mara West District Commissioner’s office and later proceeded to Naanyu’s Olborsoito home where they were taken through Maasai traditional marriage rituals, known as nkaputi.

Song and dance

It was here that Naanyu’s parents, William Kiptoo and Mary Kiptoo, officially handed over their daughter to Rudisha’s family.

Song and dance was in the air as Naanyu was escorted from her father’s home to the nearby tent where a surging crowd, among them David Rudisha, were anxiously waiting for the bride.

Rudisha’s best man

There was jubilation as Rudisha hugged and kissed his new bride amidst cheers from the excited crowd composed of family and friends.

Rudisha’s best man, Moses Tangui, his usual race pace setter, this time changed positions and followed Rudisha from behind as he welcomed his bride.

Other athletes who accompanied Rudisha during the ceremony included, Augustine Choge, Nicholas Kemboi, Alfred Yego and Abraham Chepkirwok.

Wisely invest race proceeds

The colourful ceremony, followed by sumptuous meals and drinks, was also attended by veteran athletes among them Rudisha’s father, Daniel Rudisha and Stephen Ole Marai, Rudisha’s childhood coach.

As the turn for speeches came, speaker after speaker showered praise on the couple and wished them well in their married life.

Kinanda Ole Marai, a village elder, used his fly whisk and milk (ngulet) to bless the couple and advised Rudisha to wisely invest the proceeds he has earned from athletics.

“Remember that athletics is a short term career and you need to seek advise on how best you can invest for the future of your family,” said Kinanda Ole Marai.

Another elder, Joseph Mibei, advised Rudisha to increase his education level saying education was a lifetime investment which has no retirement limits.

“I would like to ask you to spare some money you have so far earned to pursue further studies as you continue with your athletics career,” he said.