A 71-year-old marathoner in Nyandarua County offered his words of wisdom on how Kenyans, particularly the youth, could enjoy a healthy life.
Gideon Mutahi Githaiga, well-known farmer among residents in Nyandarua, advised Kenyans to always keep an active life in order to avert future lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
“I eat everything and drink tea with sugar. Doctors say my pressure is like that of a 30-year-old,” Githaiga noted.
Further, he urged the youth to abstain from alcohol or engaging in criminal activities.
“I get surprised when I meet a man aged 40 years but appears like a 90-year-old because of drinking “kalikali” (cheap brews),” the old man said.
Gitaiga affirmed that he has kept a healthy lifestyle since dropping out of school at Grade Seven in 1967.
The old man became the talk of town after participating in a 10-kilometer senior men's race in the cross country championships in Ol Kalou this past weekend.
Much to everyone's amazement, Githaiga completed the race despite many athletes, half his age, pulled out of the race midway due to harsh weather conditions.
With his vest on his neck, the marathoner soldiered on and ultimately defied all odds to complete the race. The race pitted 36 elite athletes from Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Murang’a.
Among those in attendance for the event, included Nyandarua County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, Kirinyaga County Executive Committee Member for Youth and Sports, Dennis Muchemi and other government officials who went wild for Githaiga as he battled against elite runners such as gold medalist Bedan Karoki.
“I feel good and I can jump any hurdle,” he said after the race.
The old man has one daughter, Nancy who also participates in local cross country championships.
