They say that Legends never die and that good people are remembered forever. The late Wahome Gakuru was indeed a good man and a man of the people. The man was loved by the great people of Nyeri who were the most affected when he lost his life to a tragic accident.
Today, the deputy President led Nyeri county residents, leaders and a host of athletes in taking part in the Dr Wahome Gakuru memorial half marathon.
The marathon was put in place to honour the late Governor of Nyeri Wahome Gakuru, who was the third Governor of the county.
He passed away on November 7 last year after a tragic accident along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway.
Ruto remembered Gakuru as a man of good deeds and kindness.
“Former Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru’s good deeds, kindness, mettle and sacrifice for his people stood out. Let’s keep his memory alive,” said Ruto
Former Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru’s good deeds, kindness, mettle and sacrifice for his people stood out. Let’s keep his memory alive. pic.twitter.com/IbpJWQ0CuR
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) November 11, 2018
The deputy President was accompanied by the Nyeri county governor Mutahi Kahiga and Nyeri Deputy Governor H.E Caroline Karugu. They were also among the first participants who finished the 10Km race.
Nyeri county government intends to spend some of the proceeds from the marathon to build a ward at Nyeri County Referral Hospital which is to be named after the deceased.
Besides, the event is expected to reawaken the Nyeri athletics spirit while reminding what the late Gakuru stood for; growth, transparency and accountability.
The following were the Winners from the Marathon
The 21KM Men race.
Winner Titus Ekilu from Nandi County.
1st runners up -Titus Kipruto, Elgeyo Marakwet,
2nd runners up- Joseph Kiprotich Nandi County,
3rd runners up Emmanuel Kipkemboi, Nandi County.
21 KM Women’s race
Winner Lydia Njeri Nyandarua County,
1st runners up – Mary Anne Wangari Nakuru County.
2nd runners up – Caroline Kirer Kericho County.
Former Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru was a man with big dreams for Kenya and his county.
An academic and former director of Vision 2030, the national development blueprint, Dr Gakuru’s last public engagement was a summit with his colleagues from central Kenya whose agenda was to revive the dilapidated railway line from Nairobi to Nanyuki.
Under the plan, each of the eight counties would contribute Sh100 million to start the Sh25 billion project.
Afterwards, there would be plans to build a line from Nanyuki to Kenya’s border with Ethiopia through Isiolo.
What do you think is the other best way to remember Fallen Leaders who had great Vision for their People?