In Eldoret A Stadium Is Rising But Cemeteries Are Vanishing. At What Cost?”

By William Kiptoo



The ongoing rehabilitation of Kipchoge Stadium has brought with it massive expansion, including new facilities and additional parking space. While this is welcome for the town’s growing sports culture, the expansion has come at a painful cost. The land adjacent to the stadium, once contested in court, has already seen its fate sealed. One portion was turned into a public cemetery, and at the far end near Eldoret Prison lies the Eldoret Christian Cemetery.

Today, the public cemetery has been completely erased, and the Christian Cemetery is now at risk of vandalism and total extinction. This is not just about land; it is about memory, history, and dignity. Cemeteries are not empty spaces. They are sacred grounds that hold the remains of those who shaped the story of Eldoret. The Christian Cemetery, in particular, carries the legacy of early settlers and individuals who significantly contributed to the town’s growth. Erasing it would mean wiping away an important piece of Eldoret’s identity.
The question is why is the government so ruthless in this process? Why not adopt a humane and respectful approach, identifying families of those buried there, facilitating exhumation and relocation of remains, or even compensating families where this is no longer possible? Development does not need to trample on the memories of the departed.
Destroying cemeteries without consultation or alternative plans dishonors not only the dead but also the living, who look to history for connection and meaning. It sets a dangerous precedent that cultural and historical heritage can be erased in the name of progress. Eldoret deserves better, development that balances modern needs with respect for its past.
This act of erasing cemeteries is painful, unnecessary, and must be stopped. Progress should not come at the expense of dignity.

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