Kenya’s United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) Representative Dr Admola Olajide is optimistic that the best way to end Gender Based Violence (GBV) should be fought through sports, especially athletics, which is loved by all.
Speaking at the backdrop when 2015 world cross country champion Agnes Jebet Tirop was allegedly killed by her husband Ibrahim Rotich in October, Oladije said fighting the vice should be done through sports which is a non-partisan way.
He said they should not have a place in the society, saying the road race was meant to sensitize the masses to end GBV in the region.
“We have noted that the Kenyan society loves athletics, particularly marathons unites us as the people and we thought it was very important for us to work with the Athletics Kenya and the County government to organize this End GBV Road Race. The aim of this is to sensitize the population about ending GBV,” said Olajide.
Flagged by Elgeyo Marakwet County governor Alex Tolgos, Olajide praised the efforts done by athletes to end the vice in the society.
“This is the pick of the activities that have been happening here in the county especially among athletes since you know what happened to one of their own as you well know athletes are the main stakeholders in Iten and the entire Elgeyo Marakwet County. I know they undergo many difficulties in training and some even face financial challenges and it is important that they are involved and we know that athletics brings us together,” said the county boss.
With the 16 days of Activism To End GBV, the county held the Iten 10km End GBV road race following the gruesome murder of 2015 World cross country champion Agnes Jebet Tirop, who was found murdered at her house in Iten.
Men’s winner Wilfred Kimitei said that those in relationships should find a way to end the vice.
“We lost one of us and through that, I want to tell those in various relationships that have challenges, we should sit down and solve them in a sober way to fighting that may lead to death,” said Kimitei.
Women champion Lodwina Chepng’etich pointed out that life can never be the same in the lives of athletes after the killing of Tirop who was one of their training mates.
“It was painful to lose such a great athlete in a gruesome way. It pains me very much, just like any other person who was close, a friend or any other. I want to urge people to be considerate in their actions,” said Chepng’etich.
The same was echoed by Chief Administrative Secretary in the State Department of Gender Linah Jebii Kilimo, who also competed and completed a 5km road race.
Kilimo said the government has stepped up the fight against GBV especially from her home county of Elgeyo Marakwet.
“I had to run here to show the commitment of the national government in ending GBV. It is unfortunate that people who bring us glory have lost one of their own as we all know what happened to Tirop and my God rest her soul in peace,” said Kilimo