Did Mashujaa Day organisers sideline athletes at city of champions?

A group of Kenyan athletes has raised questions about why they were not included in the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations that concluded in Eldoret on Tuesday.

Athletes participate in a recent competition in Iten. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

From invitations to the event, participation and special seat reservations, athletes have questioned the manner in which athletics icons, both active and retired, failed to attract the attention of organisers, a majority of whom are government officials.

Expectations among Kenyan athletes, including international championships medallists and record-breakers, were that they would be showcased during the heroes’ day staged in Eldoret, the City of Champions.

However, the athletes thanked President William Ruto for using the national celebrations to salute Kenyan athletes’ exploits in distance running and field events and for carrying the country’s flag high at global arenas.

Source: The Standard Sports