Meet Cleophas Mandela, man behind Eliud Kipchoge 2022 sculpture

Below are Kenyans showing their support for Mandela

Zippy Okoth : Until we learn to value art and artists, we will clap at mediocrity in the name of supporting local talent. What in arts name is this?It hurts to imagine someone can weld a sculpture and courageously celebrate mounting it on a street, When we have great artists who can do such quality work like Mandela Cleophas Ondula This is the same mediocrity we use when we have cultural fairs, art fairs etc… It seems artists will never be appreciated for the value of work we bring to the table. To these leaders, we are at the bottom of the radar. This is not nepotism or tribalism coz they should know at least some good artist somewhere within their circle. This is pure disregard to art as a profession. This is very disrespectful to the whole Creative fraternity.It is not enough to say that the King is Naked, perhaps his advisors are blind too.

Truth be told the statues doing rounds online seem like ascene form a horror movie.

Chris Munyao: The right person for that sculpture job is Mandela Cleophas Ondula na tuache mambo mingi.

Fuata Nyuki-Wa Kûngû: The sculptor who has done these two well done statues is called Mandela Cleophas Ondula …I wonder why Uasin Gishu County. government cannot contract such professionals to deliver quality, clean sculptures.Ama bora deal iive?

Ki P Chumba: Mandela Cleophas Ondula was the qualified man for the job in eldoret. But i blame” mtu wetu ” thing in the county.

Hillary Omondi:  He is called Mandela Cleophas Ondula sculptor 001. But the leaders of the so called Eldoret City, the city of our Hoof-Eater Jerome Ogola went for some quacks to make mockery of our heroes and heroine in the name of statue.”I know someone who can do it at a cheaper price”

Millicent Ngugi: Mandela Cleophas Ondula apewe hio kazi ya sculpting. There’s no reason to waste resources on mediocrity when we have actual talent.

Lazio Laz: My friend Mandela Cleophas Ondula did justice to Eliud back then. What am seeing in Eldoret done on low budget looks like a scarecrow. Uasingishu county si mtafute Mandela awafinyie kazi safi.

Below are some statues Mandela has worked on.