The First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has cancelled the Beyond Zero Marathon.
This, she says has been occasioned by the politicisation of the campaign started four years ago.
The campaign was meant to help end maternal and child mortality across the country.
In the statement on her Facebook page, She said: “Over the last four years, we have worked together—we have run together bonded by our shared conviction that no mother should die while giving life and that every child should live to see their 5th birthday.
We have done more together than I imagined possible. We have run marathons and raised enough money to purchase 47 fully equipped mobile clinics delivered to every single county in Kenya.”
She praised all those who have partnered with her throughout the last four years.
“Our partners—from ordinary Kenyans, to workers in the health sector, to civil society, to policy makers, to the business community and international donors—have given Beyond Zero the inspiration and impetus it has needed to keep going.
This year, I was looking forward to running yet another marathon - a Gratitude Marathon.”
The statement adds: “I was preparing to celebrate with Kenyans to say thank you for running with me and for supporting Beyond Zero. You have all made a huge difference to the lives of thousands of women, men and children, in our great nation.
My ultimate purpose was to ensure that no mother or child lost their lives unnecessarily and I believe that this is something which should be owned by all of us.”
In a reaction which could have been informed by the criticism of the marathon by politicians especially those in the opposition, Kenyatta said: “However, I have never been willing to politicise this agenda. As a consequence, I feel it necessary to cancel the First Lady’s Half Marathon this year.
I remain committed to and will not deviate from my ultimate goal, which is the betterment of maternal healthcare in this country, and, to build the Beyond Zero Referral Hospital.
I want to reassure all Kenyans that this is a commitment that will remain with me throughout my life.”
The opposition have been using the marathon as a campaign tool accusing the government of failing to offer Kenyans services and forcing the First Lady to do marathons to save the health sector.
Margaret is a very private person who is rarely seen in public unless there is a public event or while accompanying her husband President Uhuru Kenyatta.