New Sports, Culture and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed has mourned the death of legendary track champion Daniel Rudisha.
The 73-year-old succumbed to a heart problem on Thursday while at his home in Kilgoris, Narok County.
He was father of two-time Olympic 800m champion and world record-holder David Rudisha.
The pioneer athlete won a silver medal during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.
He was a member of the 4 x 400m relay team alongside Hezekiah Nyamao, Charles Asati and the late Naftali Bon.
Amina said Rudisha was an inspiration to many due to his devotion and commitment to athletics.
"It is with deep sadness that I’ve learnt of the passing of Kenya’s legendary sprinter Mzee Daniel Rudisha,1968 4x400m relay Olympic Silver Medalist. He played an instrumental role in pioneering Kenya’s success in short distance running, inspiring a new generation of champions," she posted on her official Twitter account.
The CS eulogised Rudisha as a great sportsman and patriot who set the foundation for the current crop of athletes including his successor son David.
"It is upon his bold strides and legacy that @rudishadavid and other world champions have drawn upon and built on. As a nation, we have lost a great sportsman and a patriot. The entire @moscakenya community wishes the family God’s comfort and strength during this trying moment," Amina added.