#MyKenyanHero by Ann Thuo

“It can be done.”  

This is the mantra of the one person I have known and lived with half of my adult life, and whom I consider my shujaa. For 21 years, I have lived with this person. He is the epitome of drive, zeal, tenacity, and courage, all wrapped up in one. His name is David Thuo, and he is my friend and my husband.  

David believes that all things can be done, and from this phrase David has turned what started out as a hobby–running–into a passion that has inspired hundreds of people in Nairobi’s recreational running circles.  

This is the passion that pushed David and other running enthusiasts to set up the RunFit Club that currently has an active community of 70 runners (and growing). This is the passion that has continued to inspire David not only to run to stay fit and healthy, but to help the less fortunate among us.  

Last year in December, David rallied his fellow runners to run and raise funds for the Fistula Fund under AMREF Health Africa. Through their efforts, women who suffer the shame of incontinence due to childbirth complications can once again have the dignity they deserve to lead normal lives. 

It is this same passion that David leaned into to start the Adopt a Family campaign in May at the height of the COVID pandemic. It is this passion he tapped into to challenge himself to run a full marathon (42 kilometers) in under 3 hours (which is quite impressive for this race!) towards the campaign. And from this zeal, over Kshs. 600,000 was raised through the campaign by hundreds of runners to help over 60 affected families.  

David’s passion in recreational running has spawned a quest to inspire as many people as possible to take care of their health through fitness. Two years ago, he started a fitness outfit called FitnessWithDavid which has a Facebook community with almost 10,000 followers and a blog with the same name where he posts regular free training tips and updates on fitness and running, including his daily trainings experiences. (https://www.facebook.com/fitnesswithdavidthuo)  

For as long as I can remember, David runs a weekly distance of about 100 kilometres – sometimes more. His day begins with the early birds: at 4 am. He has to fit in a punishing training program within his busy schedule to achieve his goals. 

It is with the same passion that he runs his company and takes care of our 3 children and all other responsibilities.  

This is the passion that has brought home medals from 5 of the World Major Marathon Races and many more from local and regional races. This is the passion that has brought home back to back medals from the 90-kilometre Comrade Marathons in South Africa. 

And it comes as no surprise that my Kenyan hero was actually born on 20th October, Mashujaa Day. Perhaps it was already in the stars. So happy belated birthday to my shujaa, my husband David Thuo! May you continue to believe because – “it can be done!” 

This story is shared by Ann Thuo who is the Paukwa Kids Lead. Ann is curious, a life-long learner, discoverer of ideas and a passionate Sunday school teacher.