Actualités
Arile et Matanda
When it comes to world-class marathon runners, Kenyans are considered the cream of the crop. Particularly those from Kenya’s Rift Valley. These athletes have won marathons in London, New York and Berlin, and have set countless world records. But some of Kenya’s top runners aren’t running for fame and fortune. Some are wanted warriors, running for their lives. For years, Julius Arile and Robert Matanda thrive among the roaming bands of warriors that terrorize the North Kenyan countryside. By the time they reach their mid-twenties, stealing cattle, raiding and running from the police is the only life they know. Despite the harsh conditions, life in the bush has its obvious appeals. Wielding a semi-automatic weapon provides power and respect. A ready supply of cattle also guarantees a steady source of income. So when both warriors suddenly disappear from the bush, many of their peers assume they are dead or have been arrested. Instead, they trade in their rifles for sneakers in the hopes of making it big as professional marathon runners. Arile is the first to accept the government’s offer of amnesty and free running shoes in exchange for his gun. Determined to make a fresh start, he enters champion runner Tegla Loroupe’s Peace Race, which offers warriors a chance to win cattle and cash prizes. Arile easily wins the race and starts to dream of a future in running. Arile soon calls Matanda and tries to convince him to leave the bush as well. But Matanda is riddled with doubt. Worried it’s a trap, […]