Double All All-Africa Games champion, Henry Rono will be laid to rest on Wednesday (28) at his Kirobon farm in Kuresoi North, Molo, Nakuru County.
The 72 year-old passed away on February 15, 2024 at Nairobi West Hospital after being admitted for 10 days, which marked the end of an era for the record breaking athlete.
The funeral organizing members led by John Kurgat in Kabirirsang, said that he ran abroad setting new world records, bringing glory to this country.
“As a legend, we request that the governments of both the national and county governments of both Nakuru and Nandi to support us lay to rest the legend in a good way,” said Kurgat.
Christopher Kirongo who is also a family member said that they grew together as young boys, went to the Kenya Defence Forces together, circumcised together and he was a well hard working Kenyans.
“I want to request for a state burial because he was a national and world hero by breaking five world records. I want to request the government to support the family,” said Kirongo.
The words were also echoed by James Bett who said that as a legend and a hero of this country, they request that the government offer a field like training grounds in memory of Rono.
“If we have a national facility named under him, it will be an inspiration to the young people and the community at large,” said Bett
Rono will be vividly remembered particularly with his extraordinary talent and determination in 1978, when in a span of just 81 days, he shattered four world records: the 10,000m (27:22.5), the 5,000m (13:08.4), the 3,000m steeplechase (8:05.4), and the 3,000m (7:32.1).
The legend leaves behind a wife and two children.
