Athletics saved youngster from banditry in Baringo, now he aims to transform the troubled community

Hardly a week goes by without Kenyans watching news of banditry in Tiaty constituency, Baringo County.

This constituency has become notorious for frequent and violent bandit attacks, making the area highly insecure. Residents live in constant fear as the relentless attacks disrupt their daily lives, threaten their safety, and hinder development.

 The constituency is situated in Kenya's North Rift region. The root cause of these security threats in the county can be traced back to the early 1970s, when the first attack occurred in Kalapata, Baringo North, resulting in the loss of livestock.

 Fifteen-year-old Peter Lomuryon is determined to change the narrative through his participation in athletics.

 Lomuryon was born and raised in Tangulbei, a banditry-prone constituency. He grew up amidst frequent violence and insecurity, and he has witnessed firsthand the disruptive impact of banditry on his community.

 He has seen many of his peers succumb to the lure of banditry because of a lack of education and opportunities. If he had not had the opportunity to attend school, he might have ended up becoming a bandit himself.

 He is the third child born in a family of six. Unfortunately, their mother passed away in 2018, and their father abandoned them. They live alone and their elder brother, Adoke Lomuryon, acts as the parent in the home.

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He trains at the Sinonin camp, under the close watch of inexhaustible athletics coach Barnabas Kitilik. He is a Form Three student at Sinonin High School in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County.

Recognising the crucial role that education has played in his own life, Lomuryon is even more determined to leverage his passion for athletics to inspire change.

His hard work paid off during the International Schools Federation (ISF) World Cross Country Championships, where he emerged as the winner of the Under 15 category. He completed the course in 10:18:6, four minutes ahead of Benson Tipapa, who came in second in 10:22:5.

The youngster also won the U20 category of the 2024 Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour Gold earlier this year.

"I thank God because I decided to focus on my education and sports, which have changed my life. I want to work hard and also show my people that there is more to life than war," he said after winning.

"Winning inspired me, and I know I can achieve anything if I put my mind to it. I had to be tactical in my running and I am glad that it worked in my favour," he continued.

Despite not having parents to cheer him on at the finish line, the visibly excited youngster was glad that he gave his sister Ksh 5,000 as she resumed school on Monday.

He was grateful to his coach, Kitilik, for the lessons, noting that he refines himself to be a better athlete every day.

From the interview, it was evident that Kitilik not only trains him to excel on the track but also to be a better communicator.

The youngster was eloquent and bold, and he articulated his points correctly. He is en route to becoming a great all-round athlete. He aims to break Eliud Kipchoge’s marathon record in the future.

"Coach Kitilik has coached some of Kenya's greatest stars, and I am so honored to be under him. He is more than a coach and also gives me advice on life issues. I want to work hard and be like Kipchoge in the future because sports bring people together and I believe one day we shall be able to have peace in that area," he concluded.

Other athletes who shone bright in the ISF championships from Sinonin Camp include Peter Pangai, Kevin Kiprop, and Faith Jeptum.