National Hero Now a ‘Mboch’: Two-time Kenyan Olympics Gold medallist forced to worked as a house maid

Four years later since being a national hero, two-time gold medalist has been forced to work as a maid to make ends meet.

When Susan Gatwiri clinched two gold medals for Kenya in the 2015 Special Olympics Games, USA, it seemed like life would take a turn for the better for her and her family.

The outing which saw team Kenya produce its best-ever performance with 40 medals propelled Gatwiri and her teammates to national heroes status. She won gold in both the 3000m and 5000m races in impressive times despite her disability.

Gatwiri’s impeccable performance during the games saw her awarded the prestigious Sports Woman with Disability of the Year Award, where she received Kshs75,000. Her 3.5M was never remitted by govt, she was only given the Ksh. 70,000. But that is as far as the rewards came regarding her fete at the games.

Living in abject poverty with her parents, she works as a house help in Skuta estate, Nyeri town where she earns Kshs6,000 per month. She has been unable to proceed with her secondary education due to financial constraints. She called on the government to pay her dues.

Responding to the plea, Special Olympics Kenya stated that they had forwarded her bank details to the Ministry of Sports.

“Susan (Gatwiri) is among other Special Olympics Kenya athletes whose details were submitted for cash awards in the Ministry of Sports Culture and Heritage. The awarding of athletes is the mandate of the Ministry of Sports Culture and Heritage and not Special Olympics Kenya,” read a statement from the Special Olympics Kenya.

The public took to social media to fight for her:

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