George Malala delivered a 15.69-metre throw to claim the men’s shot put title at the sixth edition of the Kip Keino Classic at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
Trailing closely behind was Benson Maina, whose effort of 15.39 metres earned him second place, while Geoffrey Rono completed the podium with a respectable throw of 14.61 metres.
Conspicuously missing from the competition was three-time national champion Peter Mwangi, who registered a DNS (Did Not Start). His absence left fans and fellow athletes speculating, especially given his rich history at this prestigious event.
Mwangi’s best performance at the Kip Keino Classic remains his 16.34-metre throw at the 2021 edition held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
George Malala ’s triumph comes just weeks after he notched a personal best of 15.43 metres at the 5th AK Track & Field Weekend Meeting/Relay Series at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium, a performance that saw him finish second behind Peter Kamau, who claimed top spot with a throw of 15.94 metres.
Meanwhile, Peter Mwangi has recently been in stellar form on the international stage. He clinched Kenya’s first gold medal at the World Masters Indoor Championships in Gainesville, Florida, earlier this year, reaffirming his status as one of the country’s most accomplished shot putters.
The Kip Keino Classic continues as local and international stars prepare to thrill the Nairobi crowd in action-packed evening athletics.