Activist Boniface Mwangi on Thursday, October 26 hit back at critics following the unveiling of a bronze statue of Eliud Kipchoge at Nike Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.
Boniface Mwangi defended the athlete after a section of social media users accused him of being arrogant. Mwangi who unsuccessfully contested for the Starehe MP seat in the 2017 elections insisted that Kipchoge was the greatest athlete of all time and needed all the accolades.
He however took a swipe at the critics asking to start running which would help reduce the hate.
“Eliud Kipchoge statue at the Nike headquarters. His arrogance will multiply ten-fold now. This guy doesn’t even talk to his neighbors. All interviews are given to international media, doesn’t do local journalists,” Francis Gaitho wrote.
“White people have a way of brainwashing African athletes,” he added.
“Eliud Kipchoge is the greatest marathoner ever. An inspiration to millions. He deserves the accolades, and the statue. Go run
Francis Gaitho, it’s good for your body and the weight loss may take away the hate too,” Boniface Mwangi responded.
Nike unveiled the bronze statue created by American artist Alison Caswell which depicts Kipchoge in his signature running pose.
Nike also renamed the track at its Nike European Headquarters the “Eliud Kipchoge Track & Field.”
The facility was renovated to expand the number of lanes and modernize the track surface.
“Twenty years ago, Nike and I became partners in running. Since 2003, Nike has played a crucial role in my career, providing inspiration and innovation. Together, we’ve brought these elements to every athlete in the world.
Monday was a special celebration as we unveiled the Eliud Kipchoge Track at the Nike European Headquarters in the Netherlands, while at the same time Nike revealed a statue of me at the headquarters in Beaverton,” Kipchoge wrote.
In October, Eliud Kipchoge was also awarded the prestigious Princess of Asturias Sports Award for 2023.
