Moraa honoured in grand style

Kisii Governor Simba Arati earlier has feted Mary Moraa, the World and Commonwealth 800-metre gold medallist, for her sterling performance terming it a victory to the Gusii community and the nation as a whole.

To celebrate Moraa’s outstanding performance, Governor Arati announced a special gesture—an offering of two bulls to be slaughtered at her Ichuni home in Nyaribari Masaba Constituency, Kisii County.

Moraa’s victory at the global event in Budapest, Hungary last month was nothing short of spectacular as she clocked her personal best time of 1:56:03 during the 2023. Her triumph ignited celebrations both locally and globally.

During a breakfast meeting organized by the Kisii County Assembly to honour Moraa, Arati expressed his admiration for sportsmen and women who elevate the county’s reputation on the world stage through their achievements. He also pledged his commitment to nurturing talented youth in various sports disciplines to help them realize their potential and improve their lives. In his State of the County address at the Assembly, commended Moraa’s competitive spirit and resilience, highlighting her as an inspiration to the entire community.

“I salute Moraa. Your spirit of competition and resilience is truly inspiring and exemplary to all of us as a people.”

The event was attended by Moraa, her husband Richard Chirchir, and coach Alex Sang.

Arati was joined by Deputy Governor Robert Monda, Assembly Speaker Philip Nyanumba, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and government officials.

Further, Arati announced his plans to collaborate closely with athletes and establish a sports academy to nurture emerging talent. He also emphasized his commitment to improving stadiums across the county to enhance training opportunities.

In particular, the Gusii Stadium is undergoing substantial renovations at a cost exceeding Sh30 million, with an allocation of Sh7.6 million designated for levelling, pavilion construction, fencing, and gate installation at Marani Stadium.

“Shabana FC was promoted to FKF Premier League and it was disturbing to see them play on a water-logged surface. It is also difficult to manage large numbers of fans,” Arati said, adding that other stadiums will also be improved.

Sang, who hails from the Rift Valley, pledged to train young athletes from the Gusii community. He praised Governor Arati for his support and motivation, provided to Moraa and her fellow athletes before their departure for the Commonwealth Games.

Sang encouraged MCAs to sponsor sporting activities, facilitating the identification and nurturing of talented youths to fulfil their potential.

Mary Moraa, 23, attributed her success to Principal Haroun Onchonga for nurturing her talent and identifying Coach Sang for her training. She expressed gratitude for the support she received from Governor Arati, Hellen Obiri for mentoring her, her family, and friends.

Moraa received a standing ovation at the County Assembly and was presented with a gift by Speaker Nyanumba, alongside Governor Arati, as a token of appreciation for her outstanding achievement.