Uasin Gishu County recently unveiled several new thematic monuments in Eldoret as part of a beautification project to celebrate the town’s elevation to city status.
However, the unveiling has sparked significant public uproar, primarily on social media.
Residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the newly erected monuments, particularly criticizing the quality of the workmanship.
One notable controversy involved a sculpture of an athlete, which many believed did not accurately resemble any of the well-known athletes from the town.
The statue, located near Mediheal Hospital, depicted a figure in a sprinting pose holding what appeared to be a machete, which drew widespread ridicule online.
Another monument, featuring a green maize crop at the Telecom Roundabout, was also criticized for its poor depiction of a maize cob, leading to its replacement after public complaints.
The backlash intensified with photos of the statues circulating on social media, where users described the sculptures as “horrendous” and “shameful.”
Some suggested the statues were disrespectful to prominent athletes and the town’s new status.
In response to the public outcry, Uasin Gishu county authorities have begun removing the controversial monuments.
The removal process is underway ahead of the official city charter handover ceremony, which President William Ruto is scheduled to attend.