Evans Murutu Sokoto represents hundreds of sportsmen and women who feel they have nothing to show despite the sacrifices they have made for the country.
Murutu won three gold medals representing Kenya under the Kenya Amateur Weightlifting and Body Building Association (KAWBBA) during the Africa Youth Games in 2014.
He was first discovered after he rose to become a youth champion despite using outdated and non-standardised home-made gym equipment.
Seven years later, he has now turned into a bodaboda rider and part-time mechanic to make ends meet. The former weight lifting champion currently survives on a daily income of between Ksh 500 and Ksh 600.
Rising from a humble background, Murutu knew that sports was his only chance to live a comfortable life after dropping out of school in class seven.
He said that the government had promised to reward participants of the 2014 Africa Youth Games with Ksh 1 million for every gold medal.
"I had big dreams and plans to improve my life. That was not to be,” he told Nation reporters.
When he visited the KAWBBA offices to demand his money, the weight lifter said that he was asked to part with Ksh 56,0000 for his cheque to be cleared.
"My trips to the federation headquarters became regular until I was locked out despite parting with a bribe,” he lamented.
KAWBBA boss Pius Ochieng could not be reached for comment.
