KILGORIS, September 17 – Kenya's world 800m record holder David Rudisha on Friday made a triumphant return to his hometown of Kilgoris in western Kenya where he was crowned a Masai warrior.This sleepy town of 3000 people, bordering the famous Masai Mara National Reserve came to a standstill when Rudisha, who broke the 800 metres world record twice last month, landed in a police helicopter, which had brought him from the capital, Nairobi.
"I am very happy to be back home among my people. It has been a while and after a long and busy season, it is gratifying to come home and take a rest," said an excited Rudisha.
The town residents lined the streets to cheer the 21-year-old athlete, who was driven into the town in an open-vehicle convoy, accompanied by his Maasai age-mates, dressed in red-checkered blankets, who graduated to become warriors or morans, while he was away competing overseas.
Former Kenyan president Daniel arap Moi attended the home-coming along with two-time world 800m champion, Billy Konchellah and other retired athletes drawn from the area.
