President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday mourned the death of David Rudisha's father, Daniel Rudisha, one of the pioneer Olympian in the country.
Mzee Rudisha, father to javelin reigning Olympic champion David Rudisha, died after battling a disease for a long time on Thursday in Nairobi.
On his Twitter, Uhuru hailed Mr Rudisha as one of the pioneer Olympian who introduced the country at the professional level in 1950s.
"My heartfelt condolences and prayers of comfort to the family and friends of Mzee Daniel Rudisha. Mzee Rudisha was a Kenyan athletics hero, a pioneer Olympian, coach and teacher who mentored many in the sport."
The president added: "To @rudishadavid and your entire family, my prayers are with you."
Rudisha became the first African to win Javelin competition at the Olympic stage, opening the country's success in off track events in 2016 at London.
Sports minister Amina Mohammed, who also took over from Rashid Echesa few days ago, remembered the fallen athlete.
"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 said.
Apparently, the old Rudisha dies the same week his colleague pioneer Olympian Nyantika Maiyoro will be buried after succumbing to tuberculosis a fortnight ago.
Mr Mayioro, who was equally mourned by Uhuru, will be buried on Friday (tomorrow) at his Kiogoro home. Top leaders including ODM leader Raila Odinga are expected in the funeral.
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