Umm Muhammed Umar

Joseph Chebii, a former Kenyan chief, has walked 350km to the capital, Nairobi, in a bid to convince President Uhuru Kenyatta to complete building work on the Kabarnet stadium. Construction work on the stadium had reportedly stalled seven years ago, reportedly over a land dispute.

61-year-old Chebii began walking on August 26 from Baringo county where he lives, wearing out two pairs of shoes during his journey. The Kenyan Tribune quoted him as saying police officers at road blocks along the highway had offered him lunches and encouragement.

Chebii is confident that President Uhuru Kenyatta will agree to meet him. He said he doesn’t have an appointment “because in our Tugen culture, a beggar doesn’t know the time he will knock at the neighbours’ door for help.”

The 20 acres of land at stadium have been sorely neglected. Athletes have complained that it is used for grazing and that it is impossible to train there. Further, no toilet facilities have been constructed at the stadium.

Chebii said that his message to leaders was simply, “Please help, join hands and raise funds to complete stalled Kabarnet stadium, it should be world-class.” He said, “I will not board any vehicle or accept a ride from a good Samaritan, despite my old age. I will just be walking along the tarmac road until I reach my destination, Nairobi.”