Samuel Wanjiru: How did we miss the danger signs?

RIP Sammy Kamau wa Wanjiru. But questions, questions, questions: Should we not have read the danger signs? Did Kamau not have a recent history of domestic violence that landed him in court?

What about recently withdrawing from the London Marathon? Does Athletics Kenya have a programme to monitor and support the young men and women thrust from humble, deprived backgrounds to instant fame and fortune?

Do we really care for these national heroes beyond shining in the reflected glory? Who provides the support, guidance and counselling when life starts to unravel? Who protects them all the sharks? Who helps them remain on an even keel when they might be dizzy with all the riches and adulation?

What do those managers and coaches do other than running cash-minting machines?

We are failing these young national heroes. A tour of the running capitals of Eldoret, Kapsabet, Iten, Nyahururu might reveal that for every legend leading the dream life, even more have succumbed to depression, hopelessness, alcohol abuse and fallen from glory to grass.