NAIROBI, March 25 -- Kenyan athlete Samson Rutto has been placed under quarantine in Nakuru town in the northwest region as a precaution after he arrived in the country from his tour of France and India.
Rutto returned to the country after his planned races in France and Bangalore, India was canceled.
However, despite his going through the mandatory screening in France, India, Ethiopia and on arrival in Nairobi, he was placed under quarantine as the government intensified its efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus.
"Everybody is running away from me because I am suspected. I am not getting any help. However, I have been screened in Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Bangalore and in France. I was screened and told to go home where I will self-quarantine for 14 days. So, I was on my way to Eldoret," Rutto said on Wednesday in Nakuru.
He was intercepted on his way home by other road users after he picked up his mobile phone responding to a call announcing his arrival in the country.
Rutto, 31, arrived from India having transited in Ethiopia. He had also been in France.
"I wonder why I am being treated like this in my homeland. I wish l stayed in France, this could not have happened to me," Rutto said.
He revealed that he had traveled to participate in a race in France, but the event was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He then went to India hoping to run in the Bangalore Half marathon, but the same was also canceled. He had no choice but to return home.