A Kisii County UDA party youth leader embarked on an ambitious solo marathon journey to Nairobi early Monday to meet President William Ruto even though no one showed up to flag him off as planned.
Caleb Ondieki said his resolve remains unshaken.
The five-day odyssey, through rainy weather, would take him on a 314 km run to Nairobi.
Development and environment, among other themes, are embedded in his passionate trip.
Kisii County Commissioner Joseph Kibet, who had earlier assured them he would be at hand to flag him off, did not turn up. It is not clear why he failed to do so. It is also not clear if the State House is aware of the plans.
One journalist and one fan showed up to see him off though.
A boda boda rider also volunteered to ride alongside him carrying his basic necessities.
“I was a bit disappointed, yes,” said Ondieki, a UDA party office administrator.
He said he has achieved other similar feats before running from Kisii to Isebania, 87 km in one day, and Embu-Nairobi.
“But this is bigger than me. I am not doing this for applause. I am doing this for our youth and for our country.”
With a mini Kenyan flag tied to his neck, Ondieki says he plans to run approximately 60 to 70 kilometers per day.
He would be stopping in select towns along the way to meet fans and young people, local leaders, and anyone willing to listen.
He called on young people across the region to take the lead in shaping the future of the country by registering as voters ahead of the upcoming general elections.
“As young people, we have the numbers. But without voter cards, we have no voice,” he said.
“It is time we stopped complaining about leadership and started voting for the leaders we believe in.”
He however lamented the low voter registration turnout among youth in the region, attributing it to political apathy, misinformation, and lack of awareness about the impact of voting.
Speaking of his trip, infirmities said the solitude at the start only strengthened his determination.
“It just reminded me that sometimes, the journey to change begins alone,” he added.
He hopes to reach Nairobi by the end of the week, where he plans to deliver a petition to President William Ruto.
He said as a youth he has a special message for him especially on the plight of the youth.
“People may not see you at the beginning but they’ll hear you at the end if you keep moving,” he said outside Gusii Stadium.
Whether he finishes the run or not, one thing is clear that Caleb Ondieki is running with purpose and he’s not waiting for a crowd to catch up.
“From Kisii to Chebole (67km) I will run for peace, Chebole to Ololunga (69 km) for water, Ololunga to Ntulele (61) for development,” he said.
He would be championing the environment, in the climax of the trip between Mai Mahiu and Nairobi, a staggering 54 km stretch.
He still appeals for fans to await him in Chebole, Ntulele, Mahimahiu and Nairobi to cheer up.
“Sharing a bottle of water, a fresh pair of boots would not dig any big hole in your pocket for someone running for a purpose bigger than himself,” he said minutes to his departure.
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