By Sefu Sabila
The much annually anticipated Lewa Safari Marathon has been postponed to next year following the current tax revolt across major towns in the country.
In a communication from the sponsor of the Lewa Safari Marathon scheduled for June, Saturday 29, The Lewa Conservancy and Tusk Trust, announced the postponement in respect to the democratic right of Kenyans.
“This decision has been made in light of the current situation in the country. We respect the democratic processes taking place and wish to be sensitive to the matter at hand, this we have decided to postpone the event to next year,” read a part of the statement.
Lewa Safari Marathon is an annual event that brings athletes from various parts of the world and conservation enthusiasts to support wildlife conservation and community development initiatives across the country.
The conservancy has spearheaded the protection of endangered wildlife species in the country including the white rhino and Grevy zebras, with additional sponsorship of vulnerable members of the community in the country, from the funds raised from the marathon.
The organisation expressed its disappointed to the participants, however assured the registered participants of the money being forwarded to the event scheduled for next year.
“We understand the disappointment this news may cause to participants, partners and supporters looking forward to this unique event. We are committed to ensuring that the Lewa Marathon returns stronger and better next year. The new dates will be announced in due course, and all registrations will be carried forward to the rescheduled event,” Lewa Conservancy and Tusk Trust stated.
The country has witnessed a series of protests in the country following the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which many Kenyans and leaders from different political divide as punitive and a burden to common mwananchi.
However, President William Ruto did not sign the contentious Bill, calling for it’s withdrawal from the National Assembly, which had already proceded to a recess till July 22.
In a statement released by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) on July, Monday 1, the commission stated 24 Kenyans have been killed since the start of the protests, which resulted from gunshot by the police.
Twelve-year-old Kennedy Onyango from Ongata-Rongai, is among the fatalities reported after being killed by police officers, 32 people reportedly abducted and at least 361 Kenyans injured from the protests.
Mt Kenya Times