Uasin Gishu Erects New Statues to Celebrate Eldoret's City Status
Uasin Gishu County has unveiled new monuments and statues in Eldoret town to mark its elevation to city status, with a focus on enhancing the town's aesthetic appeal.
New Statues and Monuments
One of the highlights of the recent installations is a statue of a milk guard placed at the Juma Haji roundabout. This statue has received praise from residents for its high-quality craftsmanship compared to previous installations. Many locals have expressed their approval, noting that it surpasses earlier statues in terms of artistry and detail.
Initial Backlash and Replacements
The unveiling of several thematic monuments on Wednesday, however, led to some controversy. Several statues, including one depicting an athlete at Fims junction and a green maize crop at Telecom roundabout, were met with criticism. Residents criticized the likeness and quality of these monuments, leading to a social media backlash.
The issues with the initial monuments were significant enough that the county administration decided to remove and replace them. The maize crop statue, for example, was initially criticized for its discolored appearance and was subsequently replaced with a more visually appealing version.
President Ruto's Involvement
President William Ruto is set to preside over the official ceremony to celebrate Eldoret’s new city status at the Eldoret Sports Club. The event marks a significant milestone for the town, and the new monuments are intended to reflect this transformation.
Public Reaction and Administrative Response
The public response to the new statues has been mixed, with some residents expressing disappointment with the earlier installations. Online comments, particularly from figures like Kipkorir Birgen, highlighted that the initial monuments did not adequately reflect the city's elevated status. This criticism prompted a top government official to intervene, leading to the removal and replacement of the unsatisfactory monuments.
The recent addition of new monuments and the replacement of earlier unsatisfactory ones underscore Uasin Gishu County's commitment to celebrating Eldoret’s city status with appropriate and well-crafted symbols. The town’s ongoing beautification efforts are expected to enhance its image and reflect its new status more accurately.