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Eldoret removed a controversial statue resembling Faith Kipyegon overnight due to public criticism, ahead of its elevation to city status.
Residents of Eldoret town in Uasin Gishu county woke up to a new dawn without the much-debated statues of athletes that had caused a public outcry.
The statues, including one believed to represent world-renowned middle-distance runner Faith Kipyegon, were removed in the dark hours of the night after a wave of criticism erupted on social media.
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The controversial statue had been erected along one of the town's main streets ahead of a significant event: the award of a Charter to elevate Eldoret to city status.
This ceremony, slated to take place on Thursday, will see President William Ruto present the Charter to Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii.
The event, initially scheduled for August 8, was postponed to August 15 after consultations with the national government.
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However, as preparations for the ceremony progressed, photos of the statue began circulating online, sparking widespread debate and criticism.
The sculpture, placed at a roundabout near the Mediheal Hospital Town Clinic, depicted a female athlete in a sprinting pose, dressed in a vest emblazoned with the Kenyan flag and clutching an object that appeared to resemble a machete.
Kenyans on social media quickly speculated that the statue was intended to represent Faith Kipyegon, the 1500m world record holder and three-time Olympic champion.
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However, the likeness was met with mockery and disbelief, as many pointed out that the sculpture bore little resemblance to the celebrated athlete.
The backlash was swift and intense, with social media users flooding platforms with humorous comments and memes criticizing the statue's design.
The uproar appears to have prompted local authorities to take swift action.
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In the dead of night, the statue, along with others that had sparked similar controversy, was quietly removed.
By morning, the statues were gone, leaving residents to speculate about what would replace them.
Reports indicate that new statues, hopefully more accurate and respectful representations of the athletes, will be erected in their place.
Faith Kipyegon, who has brought immense pride to Kenya with her remarkable achievements on the global stage, remains one of the country's most celebrated athletes.
Her illustrious career includes making history as the first woman to win three consecutive Olympic 1,500-metre gold medals, a feat she achieved with a masterful display of middle-distance running.
In addition to her Olympic success, Kipyegon also claimed a silver medal in the 5,000 meters at the Paris Olympics, further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time.
Kipyegon’s journey to greatness has been marked by numerous milestones, including her triumphant return to the track after taking a maternity break.
Her victory in the 1,500 meters at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where she secured her second gold medal in the event, stands out as a testament to her tenacity and single-minded focus.
Her remarkable achievements have inspired countless young athletes across the country particularly in her home region of Rift Valley.
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