Mungara, ignored at home, celebrated in Gold Coast

Every time you introduce yourself as a Kenyan in Gold Coast, Australia, you are asked if it’s true that one ‘unknown hero’ at home Kenneth Mungara is competing in the ongoing Commonwealth Games.

That is something that got me curious and decided to ask more about our local Kenyan celebrity who was treated to a red carpet welcome when he landed in Australia on Tuesday 10.

While back at home few Kenyans could be talking about Mungara as a medal prospect, locals here are looking forward to see him take a third title on Sunday.

Mungara, the local celebrity, won the 2015 and 2016 Gold Coast Airport Marathon and took the runners up position in 2017.

Being called an old horse is not a big deal for Murunga  adding that a prophet is never appreciated at home.

Murunga was intrigued by how he was heavily criticised after being named in Team Kenya but was praised in a foreign nation.

“I fail to understand why I’m not appreciated at home which is totally different from how I was welcomed here, people shouting Mungara all the way. Prominent people here also recognise me.

“At home people were not happy when they heard that  have been selected in the team simply because they don’t know about me,”  said the 44-year old Mungara.

Mungara holds the 40-44 year old masters world record and has won nine out of the 15 races he has competed in.