Kenyans have ridiculed a statue allegedly meant to depict Olympic legend Faith Kipyegon, one of several installed in the town of Eldoret to honour the nation’s Olympic heroes. The statue, widely criticised for its crude and unflattering design, was swiftly removed after complaints from residents, though not before images spread rapidly on social media.
The poorly executed sculpture, which featured a female athlete in a top emblazoned with the Kenyan flag, was linked to Kipyegon by many social media users. The radio station NRG described it as hideous, while others called it a disgrace to Kipyegon’s legacy, with some even demanding the artist’s arrest.
Kipyegon made history at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first woman to win three consecutive Olympic 1,500m gold medals, setting a new Olympic record of 3:51.29. She also secured silver in the 5,000m, despite an initial disqualification for an alleged shove.
Another controversial statue, reportedly representing marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge, was also removed. Kipchoge’s bid for a historic third consecutive Olympic marathon gold in Paris was thwarted after he pulled up 30 kilometres into the race.
Despite Kenya’s outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics — 11 medals, including four golds — the botched statues have overshadowed celebrations. President William Ruto, in a ceremony welcoming the athletes back to Eldoret, awarded Kipyegon and others monetary rewards for their achievements, praising the athletes for making the country proud.