This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
David Rudisha's Marriage in Crisis ¶
July 25, 2019, marked a somber day for the family of Olympic champion David Lekuta Rudisha as his wife, Lizzy Naanyu, took to social media to express her frustration and despair over his alleged abandonment of their children.
According to Lizzy's Facebook post, which she later deleted, David has been frustrating her and their kids, leaving her heartbroken and unable to cope anymore.
David Lekuta Rudisha, really stop frustrating me with my kids. To my family, my heart is heavy I can't hold anymore. I love you all.
David's absence from the athletics scene has also raised eyebrows, with his last competition being the 2017 IAAF Diamond League in Shanghai, China.
His agent, Mitchel Boeting, was quoted as saying that David is nursing an injury and will soon be back on the track, but failed to comment on the marital issues.
I cannot comment on their family matters. I have not even known about the post. David might not compete this season. The injury healed and reoccurred. He will be late for the season and I think he will be back next season. We expect that all will be well for him.
As President of Athletes Commission – the Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) – David has been accused of not being actively involved in his role, with a senior Athletics Kenya official expressing disappointment over his lack of commitment.
Sometimes it is difficult to understand some Kenyan athletes. Here an athlete has landed a big position in Africa or IAAF but he doesn’t see the importance. Rudisha was appointed CAA Athletics Commission three years ago, but he is not actively involved. We here at AK sometimes look for him (Rudisha) to attend some of our critical events but he doesn’t respond to our phone calls or bother to reply our texts. CAA President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum is not happy.
Kenyan social media users have taken to Twitter to express their concern and disappointment over David's alleged abandonment of his family, with some calling for counseling and others questioning the state of their marriage.
Someone talk to Rudisha and his wife. Looks like depression is pinning her down. She needs counseling. pic.twitter.com/34mAKwE9tQ — KILIMANI MUMS $ DADS (@KiliMumsAndDads) July 23, 2019
Pesa ni mbaya sana.Although I wouldn't mind some. — gilbert kaunda (@KaundaGilbert) July 25, 2019
Whatever is happening at David Rudisha's household I hope they can sort it out..through other ways other than social media..at least for the kids sake — Grace Mwelu (@Gmwelu) July 23, 2019
Kumbe sio vyatu tuu zinang'ara is a lie? — Nyalik (@Nyaliks_) July 25, 2019
