
SHAME! Eldoret City’s Newly Erected Statues Removed After Public Uproar
An uproar erupted in Eldoret after the Uasin Gishu county unveiled several thematic monuments as part of beautification efforts to commemorate the town’s new status.
The uproar erupted, especially on social media, after the monuments were unveiled, prompting residents to question the sculptors’ workmanship.
According to sources, a high-ranking government official was outraged by the monuments and ordered their removal or replacement.
Tito Koiyet, CEO of the Eldoret Municipal Board, could not be reached for an immediate comment.
Eliud Kipchoge statue in Beaverton, Oregon, USA Vs Faith Kipyegon statue in Eldoret City! Ni God Manze! pic.twitter.com/4vj5DpQ8fT
— Cornelius K. Ronoh (@itskipronoh) August 14, 2024
Firms hired to erect the monuments are currently on site, removing them ahead of President Ruto’s ceremony to hand over the city charter to Governor Jonathan Bii.
The majority of residents expressed surprise at the work done on the monuments, which have been erected at several strategic roundabouts in the town’s central business district.
President Ruto is set to unveil a 600M Ksh statue honoring Kenyan athletes in Eldoret, the 'Home of champions. pic.twitter.com/WpCE0uY2yn
— . (@capellosalim) August 14, 2024
One of the monuments erected at the Fims junction bore the resemblance of an unknown athlete, despite the fact that the town is home to hundreds of well-known veteran and current record-breaking athletes.
Pictures of the monuments circulated on social media, causing an uproar and backlash against the county administration and the Eldoret Municipal Board.
The satanic statue in Eldoret City has been removed. They will not believe! pic.twitter.com/HkAhY8uSa6
— Cornelius K. Ronoh (@itskipronoh) August 14, 2024
Another statue of a green maize crop had been erected on the Telecom roundabout.
However, it was also removed because it allegedly depicted a discoloured maize cob.
Following the uproar, it was uprooted and replaced with one that appeared green.
Residents led by Kipkorir Birgen stated in an online post that “these are monuments of shame, and the county could have done better.”
Birgen stated that the monuments do not reflect the city’s newfound status.
SHAME! Eldoret City’s Newly Erected Statues Removed After Public Uproar