Daniel Ebenyo warns media against athlete misinformation
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 31.10.25. | 12:05
His victory last weekend marked a significant comeback for the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medalist, who last year vowed never to represent Kenya again after missing out on a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games
Former World 10,000m and half-marathon silver medalist Daniel Ebenyo Simiu has issued a stern warning to the media, urging journalists to verify information before publishing stories about athletes.
Speaking after retaining his National Cross Country Championships title at the Eldoret Sports Club on Saturday, 25 October, Ebenyo said some recent reports about him had been misleading and unfair.
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Ebenyo said that while constructive criticism is part of an athlete’s journey, false narratives and unverified claims can damage reputations and discourage athletes who dedicate their lives to representing the country.
He noted that in recent months, some media outlets had published speculative stories about him, which affected him.
“I have seen some of the criticism about me in the media, and it is not right. Please, verify information with your sources before publishing. I am also appealing to the authorities to question their people when such things come up. It is embarrassing and unfair,” he said.
Ebenyo’s comments came shortly after a stellar run that saw him defend his men’s senior race crown in 30:11.1, improving from last year’s 30:48. The result saw him win the title a third consecutive time.
Despite entering the race late, as he was still recovering from fatigue after the Chicago Marathon that happened on Sunday, 12 October, where he finished 13th in 2:07:52, Ebenyo proved unstoppable.
He stayed in the leading pack with Kevin Chesang and Dennis Kipkoech for most of the course before unleashing his trademark final kick to seal victory.
Chesang followed in second place in 30:12.0, while Kipkoech placed third in 30:13.0, all earning their slots in Team Kenya for the upcoming 2026 World Cross Country Championships scheduled for 10 January in Tallahassee, Florida, USA.
Ebenyo expressed delight at reclaiming his title and returning to the national setup, describing it as a special moment after a turbulent year.
“I’m feeling good and excited for the World Cross Country. It’s been a while. I’ve really missed being part of the national team. I was a bit fatigued after the Chicago Marathon, but I’m happy to have retained my title. Cross country is close to my heart, and I’m truly honored,” he continued.
The victory marks a significant comeback for the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medalist, who last year vowed never to represent Kenya again after missing out on a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games.
His fallout with Athletics Kenya followed a visa delay that caused him to arrive late for the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League in Eugene, USA, an event used as an Olympic trial.
Fatigued and disappointed, he finished eighth, missing automatic qualification.
Despite expectations that he would receive a wildcard, Athletics Kenya instead picked Daniel Mateiko, Nicholas Kimeli, and Bernard Kibet, a decision that left Ebenyo frustrated.
More than a year later, Ebenyo appears rejuvenated and determined to don the Kenyan colors once again, this time with eyes set on a world cross country medal.
