Rowdy youths on Wednesday stormed the farm of former Olympic athletics record holder Kipchoge Keino in Eldoret, claiming part of the expansive property.
In an interview with Kenyans.co.ke, Andrew Keino, the legend's son, narrated that the individuals invaded the 195-acre property and fenced sections which they claim belong to them.
The expansive farm in Kazi Mingi houses the Olympic Committee-certified Kipchoge Keino High-Performance Training Centre, a camp used by athletes to prepare for races.
Keno's family is now asking the government to help kick the individuals who have taken possession of parts of the land.
According to the family, Keino bought the land in 1972 from the family that is claiming ownership using his savings and prize money he won.
Keino has a court order stopping the subdivision of the property pending a case that has been filed at the High Court challenging its ownership.
“A dispute arose sometime in the 1990s and I acquired 20 acres of land for the complainant at that time and the issue was settled. It is shocking that they are targeting a property I acquired following the right procedure,” Senior Keino stated.
The family that sold the farm to Keino is claiming ownership of 70 acres, though Keino noted that the matter was resolved in the 1990s.
Keino featured in world-stage athletics competitions between 1962 and 1972, winning gold medals in 1500 metres, 3000 steeplechases and 5000 metres races.
The legendary marathoner was born January 17, 1940, and became is a sprinter who competed in four Olympics of 1964, 1968, 1972, and 1976. He is considered one of the greatest Kenyan sprinters of all time.
Keino was born in Kipchoge Keino village, Nandi County, Kenya. He started running at a young age, and quickly emerged as one of the most talented athletes in Kenya.
In 1964, he won the gold medal in the 1500-meter race at the Tokyo Olympics. He was the first Kenyan athlete to win a gold medal at the Olympics.
Keino won another gold medal at the Mexico City Olympics in 1968, in the 3000m steeplechase. He also won a silver medal in the 1500m race at the Munich Olympics in 1972, and a bronze medal in the 5000m race at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
He also won several medals at the Commonwealth Games, and won the 1500m world championship in 1973. He was the true king of African sprints in the 1960s and 1970s.
Keino played an important role in the development of Kenyan long-distance running. He was one of the first Kenyan athletes to reach the top world level, and helped pave the way for other Kenyan athletes to follow.
