Renamed stadium officially unveiled by Sports CS Ababu Namwamba

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba on Saturday 25 November unveiled the Kiprugut Chumo Stadium in Kericho.

The CS was flanked by Sports PS Peter Tum, Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei, the Late Chumo's family, Sports Kenya Chair Peter Njuguna, DG Pius Metto, and some Kericho County Government officials.

The stadium was previously named Kericho Green but is now being renamed in honour of the legendary athlete, Chumo.

Chumo was a legendary athlete who won Kenya her first gold medal in 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. He clocked an impressive time of 1:45.90 to clinch victory in the 800m.

Chumo also bagged a silver medal at the 1966 Commonwealth Games before claiming another silver at the 1968 Olympic Games, both in the two-lap race.

The legend also won two gold medals at the 1965 All-Africa Games held in Brazzaville, Congo. The late athlete’s budding talent began to blossom during the East and Central African Championships where he won three 880-yard titles in 1958.

Chumo was born and raised in Kericho and he took up running during his time at Kaptebeswet Primary School and later Sitowet Intermediate School. He hung his spikes in 1969 but continued working as a coach and fitness instructor in the Kenyan army for another five years.

Meanwhile, the renaming was officially announced by H.E. President William Ruto at this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations hosted at the stadium on October 20, 2023.

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