Kisii Marathon enthusiast Caleb Ondieki, was by Thursday December 11, 2025 yet to meet President William Ruto despite completing an extraordinary 314-kilometre run to secure audience with him.
Ondieki left Kisii town on October 4, 2025 and arrived in Nairobi four days later with hopes of meeting the President in State House.
Two months later, the meeting with the Head of State had not been confirmed by officials.
The Kisii United Democratic Alliance Party coordinator, however suspects “political interference” for perverting the entire plan.
“It had been an extraordinarily long wait as even the leaders asked to facilitate the meeting with the President have now blocked my calls,” said Ondieki by phone.
Ondieki has done similar unpublished feats before.
At the sidelines of the President’s visit to Kisii weeks ago, the President ordered the local UDA party legislators to facilitate the youth’s visit to see him.
Several days later, he said all phone calls to their phones are not going through, dampening the bid to catch up with the Head of State.
“Initially Statehouse protocol officers assured I would meet and that they were working with our leaders to facilitate the visit to Statehouse but when I arrived, things suddenly changed,” he said.
He claimed certain politicians interfered, and “I believe they blocked me from getting the chance to deliver my message.”
Ondieki did not name the politicians he believes were involved but said he hopes the President Ruto will eventually hear him out.
“I ran all those kilometres because I believe in the leadership of the President and the future of this country’s youth,” he said.
“It hurts that politics came in the way, but I still have respect for the President and trust he will listen when he gets my message.”
Ondieki had began his journey attracting attention along the highways as he ran through multiple stopovers.
His mission, he said, was to deliver a message on youth empowerment, and the need for greater opportunities for young people in rural areas.
After long four days of running—through rain, heat, and exhaustion—he arrived in the capital on Friday morning, slicing one day off his early five day planned trip.
In Nairobi, the then Nairobi County Environment chief officer Geoffrey Mosoria met him and planted trees together at State House Girls.
“I am disappointed I couldn’t meet the President, but I am proud of the journey I made,” he said.
“My message is still the same—Kenyan youth need empowerment, and I hope my run brings attention to that.”
Ondieki’s run from Kisii, through Keroka, Sotik, Narok and finally into Nairobi drew widespread attention.
A section of Kenyans praised his determination but questioned why a meeting could not be facilitated after such an extraordinary effort.
State House has not issued an official comment regarding the matter.
Despite the setback, Ondieki says his mission is not over and that he will continue advocating for youth empowerment, job creation, and development programs across the country.
For now, Ondieki says he will rest before deciding his next step—but insists his mission is far from over.
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