Kisii County Deputy Governor Joash Maangi has joined other leaders to mourn the passing on of the legendary athlete Mzee Nyantika Mayioro.
Maangi said Mayioro death a blow to the county.
"It is with a heavy heart and deep sense of sorrow that I have learnt of the passing on of the Legendary Mzee Nyantika Mayioro. He will be fondly remembered for his powerful, phenomenal, stunning display in the 1953 Indian Ocean Games, where he won the 3000 meters race despite joining late and barefooted," said Maangi.
Maangi who has declared an interest to run for Kisii governorship seat in 2022 to succeed his boss Governor James Ongwae said described Nyantika as a hard-working athlete during his time.
"Nyantika competed in the 1954 Commonwealth Games, the first ever major International Championship that Kenya Participated. Our prayers are with the family during this time of mourning. May the Almighty God Rest his Soul in Eternal Peace," added Mr Maangi.
Mayioro died at Christa Marianne hospital where he has been receiving treatment for the last two weeks.
The legendary athlete succumbed to tuberculosis.