We received some very sad and tragic news today. Below is the message from the team.
It is with the greatest sorrow that we must inform you of the passing of John Njoroge Muya.
The Kenyan Riders’ cyclist was involved in an accident in the Tour of Matabungkay in the Philippines at 10am on Saturday, October 18, and passed away before he reached the hospital. An ambulance was on the spot and our coach Rob arrived a minute later. He was transported to the nearest hospital but his injuries were beyond saving. Several hours later Rob arrived at the hotel and informed Sammy, Suleiman (Tom), Kathurima and Jeff.
Njoroge’s family in Kenya were notified first, in the traditionally accepted way, by Zakayo, the first captain of Kenyan Riders. Simon Blake then notified all members of Kenyan Riders, after they finished a race in Machakos, Kenya. They then notified past members. Now we must inform the many people who have supported and followed this venture, and who knew and admired this very special young man.
Earlier on the same day, Njoroge was presented with his first yellow jersey. The previous morning he won the individual time trial and in the afternoon he finished with the lead group in the road race. Ayub Kathurima moved from third to retain the yellow jersey for Kenyan Riders, who were unaware of the nature of the accident. The following day, the last day of the tour, the organisers and all the race managers organised a neutral, non-competitive ride, with the Kenyan Riders leading, to share and honour our loss.
Njoroge leaves a wife and baby boy. We will do everything we can to help them rebuild their lives. Nicholas Leong will remain in the Philippines to facilitate the transportation of Njoroge’s body to his family in Kenya.
We invite you to share in our grief and ask for your prayers and support in this most difficult of times.
