Former Kenyan athlete blasted over “African conditions” tweet
A former Kenyan athlete prompted a social media backlash following his comments that seemingly discouraged his colleagues from competing in Africa.
Samuel Chelanga, born in Baringo County and now an American citizen, had over the weekend taken to his Twitter account and posted a message that suggested he had performed below par at the World Cross Country Championship in Kampala due to “African conditions”
The Virginia-based middle distance athlete finished 11th in the senior men’s race. The race was won by Kenyan Geoffrey Kamworor.
https://twitter.com/SamChelanga/status/846812192980815872
The comments rubbed Kenyans, the wrong way.
Former Kenyan turned American athlete Bernard Lagat accusing Chelanga of dragging the continent through the mud.
@SamChelanga While the IAAF tries its best to bring sports to Africa, pple like u keep dragging the continent down the mud. You're lost. https://t.co/JyXR4rcjBW
— Bernard Lagat OLY (@Lagat1500) March 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/SamChelanga/status/846903899189522437
I am sorry but you are were born in Kenya and you should know what to expect. But then again English is not my first language.
— D Nukuri (@DDNukuri) March 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/SamChelanga/status/846854013102493696
https://twitter.com/SamChelanga/status/846904517060939776
