Ex-Kenyan international Ezekiel Kemboi has revealed that he was once given good money to ditch Kenya and represent other nations but he declined.
Kemboi, who won numerous gold medals for Kenya at international events, disclosed that he was approached by countries including Arab ones to switch allegiance but he rebuffed them.
According to the only runner to bag four 3,000m steeplechase world championships titles, he turned down the offers due to patriotism.
Also Read: Ezekiel Kemboi: The Entertainer Who Won It All on the Track
“Several countries approached me but I declined their offers. I am a patriot because I love my country.
“I remember in 2002 and 2003, there were Arabs and Whites who came to Kenya and wanted to pay people to represent their nations.
“There were Kenyans who went to Bahrain and Qatar but I decided to remain at home,” the Kenyan legend told Cheche254.
Kemboi, who embraced farming after hanging his running boots, further stated that no amount of money could have made him compete for another country other than his motherland.
“I was given money but I declined. I told them that I wanted to represent my country,” he commented.
Kemboi also cited the lack of good training facilities as the main challenge facing Kenyan athletes.
He asked the government to look into the matter to enhance the performances of Kenyan runners.
“There are a lot of challenges, including those related to sponsorship and training facilities. The most widespread challenge in Kenya is the lack of good training facilities.
“For example, the Kipchoge Stadium in Eldoret has been under construction for over 10 years now.
“We request the government to complete it for us because that is what makes our runners to perform well,” ended Kemboi.
Also Read: Ezekiel Kemboi is My Favourite Athlete- Fraser-Pryce