Kenyan middle-distance runner David Lekuta Rudisha has joined politics ahead of the August 9th elections.
Rudisha, a two-time Olympic champion, has been cleared by the Independent, Electoral, and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to contest for the Kilgoris parliamentary seat as an independent candidate.
“Reference is made to the subject matter and your letter dated 29 April 2022 on the intention to contest election as Member of National Assembly, KILGORIS Constituency,” IEBC said in a letter sent to Rudisha.
“Pursuant to Article 85 of the Constitution and Section 34(fa) of the Political Parties Act 2011, David Lekuta Rudisha, is not a member of any registered party.”
Rudisha is the 2012 and 2016 Olympic champion, two-time World Champion (2011 and 2015), and world record holder in the 800 meters.
He was the first and only person to ever run 800m under 1:41. He also holds the world’s best time in the 500 meters with a time of 57.69, and the African record for the 600 meters (1:13.10).
Rudisha won a record three consecutive Track and Field Athlete of the Year awards and the IAAF World Athlete of the Year award in 2010.
He missed a chance to represent Kenya at the 2019 World Championships and the 2020 Olympic Games due to injuries. The 33-year-old had earlier announced he would retire soon after the 2020 Olympic Games but shelved the idea after he injured his back and twisted his ankle prior to the event.
