Schoolchildren at State House Primary School in Nairobi on Monday turned their attention from visiting French President Emmanuel Macron to Kenya’s marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge during an impromptu visit ahead of the Africa Forward Summit.
Macron, who had earlier joined Kipchoge for a light morning jog in Nairobi alongside President William Ruto, visited the school dressed in running gear and interacted with pupils by waving and peeping into classrooms.
However, many of the excited pupils rushed toward Kipchoge, seeking selfies and handshakes with the two-time Olympic marathon champion instead of the French leader.
The moment quickly attracted attention online, with many Kenyans describing it as a reflection of national pride in the celebrated athlete, widely regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners in history.
Kipchoge, who famously became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours during the 2019 INEOS Challenge in Vienna, remains a revered figure among young Kenyans due to his sporting achievements and humble lifestyle.
The athlete lives and trains in Kenya’s Rift Valley region and is often involved in youth mentorship and community activities, making him a familiar and admired personality among school-going children.
Macron is in Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit co-hosted with President Ruto, where leaders are discussing trade, climate financing, innovation and investment partnerships between Africa and France.
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