'KE social media is toxic'- Ferdinand Omanyala's coach voices opinion following Eliud Kipchoge's revelation

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'KE social media is toxic'- Ferdinand Omanyala's coach voices opinion following Eliud Kipchoge's revelation

Abigael Wafula 16:39 - 08.05.2024

Ferdinand Omanyala's coach Geoffrey Kimani has shared how Kenyan social media is toxic and has empathised with Eliud Kipchoge following his recent confession.

Ferdinand Omanyala’s coach Geoffrey Kimani has voiced his opinion over the social media trolling that befell Eliud Kipchoge following Kelvin Kiptum’s death.

The late Kiptum lost his life in a fatal road accident in February and the five-time Berlin Marathon found himself in the middle of trolls who claimed he was involved in the murder of the 24-year-old.

The four-time London Marathon champion, for the first time, opened up about how the trolls affected him and how his family received threats. He told BBC Sport Africa how he had to move cautiously in order to protect his family.

"I was shocked that people (on) social media platforms are saying 'Eliud is involved in the death of this boy'. That was the worst news ever in my life.

"I received a lot of bad things; that they will burn the (training) camp, they will burn my investments in town, they will burn my house, they will burn my family. It did not happen but that is how the world is.

"My worst moment was (when) I tried to call my mum. She told me 'Just take care' and 'A lot has been going on'. Where I come from is a really local area. And with the age of my mum, I really realised that social media can go everywhere. But she gave me courage. It was really a tough month,” Kipchoge said.

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Kimani also came to the aid of the former world record holder, commenting on his social media agreed that Kenyan social media is toxic and jealous.

He also urged coaches and management to protect their athletes from such malicious acts from social media users.

“KE social media is toxic, jealous, malicious...comes alive when one stumbles or fails.... great mindset here though, for the coaches out there, protect your athletes and space... an athlete’s circle must be tight knit!” he posted on his X (Twitter) handle.

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