Paris 2024 Olympics: “The sculptor should be arrested immediately”, statues of athletes cause reaction in Kenya

Statues of athletes are debated in Kenya. Screenshot – Twitter /

"Shame", "joke", "disrespect": two statues of athletes were removed in the town of Eldoret after having sparked mockery and indignation on social networks in Kenya, ahead of the arrival of the Olympic team on Thursday.

This large city in the Rift Valley, the heart of national athletics that brought the country its eleven medals at the Paris Games, welcomed the Olympic delegation returning from France on Thursday for official celebrations in the presence of President William Ruto, who is from the region.

Local authorities thought they were doing the right thing by installing two statues of runners in full effort at crossroads in the city. The sculptures were removed during the night from Wednesday to Thursday, according to local media, a few hours after their poor quality sparked an outpouring of mockery and anger on social networks.

“A total joke and a lack of respect”

“It's a complete joke and a disgrace to our athletes who bring so much glory to this country”, posted one user on social media X, while another saw it as “a complete joke and a lack of respect”.

One of these statues, depicting an athlete wearing a Kenyan jersey and flag, was particularly targeted by Internet users, who saw it as a failed representation of Faith Kipyegon, who became the first woman to win three gold medals in the 1,500m at the Olympics, in addition to winning a silver medal in the 5,000m at Paris.

"Eldoret City Set to Honor Multiple Olympic Champion Faith Kipyegon with Statue, Sculptor Should Be Arrested Immediately", one user said.

"I Refuse to Believe Eldoret Statue was commissioned as part of a serious project, financed with public funds!”, another one said. With a total of 11 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze), Kenya finished 17th in the medal standings in Paris, the best African nation.