Nyandarua County on Tuesday staged a colourful red-carpet reception in honour of Summer Deaflympics double gold medalist Ian Kahinga Wambui, complete with a symbolic gift, a cow, presented by Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha.
The ceremony, held at the county headquarters in Ol Kalou, also served to settle an emerging debate over the athlete’s origins after neighbouring counties Nakuru and Laikipia appeared to lay claim to him following his stellar performance at the Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, last month.
Kahinga clinched two gold medals, first in the 10,000 metres and later in the 5,000 metres races, clocking a record 13:52.83 in the latter. His achievements set off a wave of congratulations across the country and a scramble over which county he calls home.
Shortly after his 5,000-metre triumph, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika posted on social media celebrating him as an athlete from Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County.
Laikipia County Secretary Wahome Koinange also congratulated Wambui, noting that he lives and trains in Nyahururu, which falls within Laikipia.
The claims prompted a swift response from Milka Wanjiru, MCA for Kiriita Ward in Nyandarua, who asserted on social media that Kahinga has his roots in Githunguchu village in Kiriita Ward and runs a taxi business in Mairo Inya town.”
Wanjiru reiterated this position during the reception, where she was joined by members of the Mairo Inya Taxi Association, of which Kahinga is a member.
Gathanji Ward MCA Kuria Thuo, who chairs the County Assembly’s committee on youth and sports, praised Nyandarua leaders for their “quick defense” of what he termed “a son of Nyandarua.” Deputy Governor Mathaara Mwangi echoed the sentiments.
In recognition of Kahinga’s achievement, Governor Badilisha announced that the county will allocate Sh900,000 to support talent development among people with disabilities.
He further revealed that the county will immediately hire a dedicated talent scout, a position reserved exclusively for a person with a disability under affirmative action.
The governor also disclosed ongoing plans to establish a sports academy in partnership with the newly established Nyandarua University and a U.S.-based institution, aiming to nurture athletic talent across the region.
By Antony Mwangi
