This archive report was first published on 12 October 2019.
On October 11, 2019, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria sparked a heated online debate after sending a message to marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge ahead of his INEOS 1:59 challenge.
Kuria wished Kipchoge good luck in his attempt to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon, saying he would not be disappointed if he failed.
However, Kuria also warned Kipchoge to be cautious of people who had traveled to Vienna to watch him, suggesting that their intentions might not be pure.
"I wish Eliud Kipchoge all the best in the Ineos 1:59 challenge. If he fails, God will give him the strength to try again," Kuria wrote on his Facebook page.
He added, "If you succeed, God will reward you with the blessings from those who have already traveled to Vienna."
Deputy President William Ruto was among those who had traveled to Vienna to watch Kipchoge's attempt to break the two-hour barrier.
The online community reacted with mixed feelings to Kuria's message, with some praising his support for Kipchoge while others questioned his motives.
