Renowned Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge is set to represent Kenya in a global event that will revolutionize Kenya's history.
According to reports by Daily Nation, Kipchoge is among the star athletes handpicked by the government to support its bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), in New York.
Kipchoge will also be joined other iconic athletes such as world female marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei, the first African woman to win the New York Marathon Tegla Loroupe, legendary long-distance runner Paul Tergat, and star rugby player Collins Injera.
The sportspeople will be part of a high-powered global delegation that will lead Kenya’s campaign for the UNSC seat for 2021-2022.
Kenya will be battling Djibouti in the hotly contested seat and will be represented by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma accompanied by the athletes to New York on Wednesday, October 6.
CS Monica who spoke to the Nation disclosed that the choice to recruit the athletes was because she was banking on the huge potential of sports as a diplomatic force to aid Kenya’s bid.
“We have come a long way, from getting an endorsement from the African Union through a vote in August to rallying associates to support our bid.
“Launching this campaign in New York, the headquarters of the Security Council, six months shy of the vote means that we need all Kenyans to support the country's bid because we stand to gain a lot if we get an opportunity at this top global security decision-making level,” she explained.
In the event that Kenya beats Djibouti to the race, it would get a non-permanent seat at the UN’s Security Council, which is its most powerful body.
The position would enable Nairobi to hold the rotational presidency of the UNSC and lobby other member states on crucial matters, even though Kenya might not have a vote on substantial matters.
Also flying the Kenyan flag high on the streets of New York is the tea brand Ketepa and the alcoholic beverage Tusker, two of Kenya’s best heritage products since independence.
Kipchoge was on October 2 honoured by President Uhuru Kenyatta, who awarded him the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart, the highest civilian recognition in the country.
