Alleged Faith Kipyegon's statue pulled down after public outrage

A controversial statue erected in honour of triple Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon has been taken down following widespread public criticism.

On Wednesday evening, photos started doing rounds online of a graven image of a female athlete mounted at a roundabout near a hospital.

It shows her in what one would assume to be a sprinting pose, and was donned in a vest with the image of the Kenya flag. She was clutching what appeared like a machete.

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Kenyans on social media speculated that the statue is that of 1500m world record holder and three-time Olympic champion, Faith Kipyegon due to her celebrated achievements on the track.

It then sparked immediate debate due to its apparent mismatch with the athlete's likeness.

"Is it a hard task to honor Faith Kipyegon with something decent in Eldoret?," Gen Z Medic questioned.

"This is very disrespectful to Faith Kipyegon or any other athlete. Our standards are so low except the looting. I bet this cost at least Kes 100million. Then add another Kes 200million for the president’s visit," Willis Evans Otieno added.

"It's a disgrace calling it a Faith kipyegon statue," Robby, another social media user offered.

"You mean this statue passed by several eyes before it was approved? And everyone said that it was good and resembled Kipyegon. Please stop this incompetence," Eve Maina said.

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However, on Thursday morning, the statue was taken down.

Eldoret, famously known for producing world-beating athletes is set to be awarded the Charter to elevate the town to city status on Thursday 15 August.

President William Ruto is expected to preside over the handing over of the city charter to the county's governor Jonathan Chelilim.

The event was initially scheduled for Thursday 8 August but was moved a week later after consultation with the national government.