President Kenyatta mourns David Rudisha's father

Kenya’s local athletics family is once again in mourning following the sudden death of 1968 Olympics Silver medalist Daniel ‘Matasi’ Rudisha.

Daniel Matasi who is  the father of two-time Olympics and World 800m champion David ‘Lekuta’ Rudisha passed on Wednesday night aged 73.

His son David Rudisha confirmed the shocking news on Thursday morning.

Daniel Rudisha has passed away. He was part of the 4X400M Kenyan team that won a silver medal in the 1968 Olympics. David Rudisha is the son. Rest well champ. pic.twitter.com/kRD71bLXf6

Get breaking news on your Mobile as-it-happens. SMS ‘NEWS’ to 22163

— Kenyan Facts ?? (@KResearcher) March 7, 2019

The late Daniel Matasi Rudisha, made his name during the Mexico 1968 Games where he was part of the Kenyan quartet that bagged Silver medal in the 4X400m relay final.

According to his son, his father succumbed to a heart attack Wednesday evening having spent his last few days in hospital.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Athletics Kenya were among the first to send a message of condolence to Rudisha’s family and the people of Kilgoris.

My heartfelt condolences and prayers of comfort to the family and friends of Mzee Daniel Rudisha. Mzee Rudisha was a Kenyan athletics hero, a pioneer Olympian, coach and teacher who mentored many in the sport. To @rudishadavid and your entire family, my prayers are with you.

— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) March 7, 2019

“We mourn with you and celebrate the extraordinary life of this remarkable athlete who devoted his life to athletics.

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of one of pioneer Kenyan athlete, Daniel Rudisha. On behalf of the athletics fraternity, we would like to send our deepest condolences to Rudisha’s family and the people Kilgoris at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/ubL9z0iXG1

— Athletics Kenya (AK) (@athletics_kenya) March 7, 2019

In a statement, AK said Rudisha will always be remembered as a legend and one the pioneer athlete who set the foundation for the current crop of athletes.

“Rudisha is among the first lot of athletes who represented the country, not for monetary gains but for the love of the game. His love for athletics inspired one of his sons @rudishadavid to take up athletics and he is currently the world 800m record holder and two-time Olympic champion”