For the better part of the week, Kenyas have been mourning Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui aliaS AK who died while attempting to reach Mt Everest.
While many people knew little about him; those who were close to him have described him as a hero who was never intimidated by any heights.
Kiruu was an employee of Kenya Commercial Bank where he is said to have been a dedicated employee.
“Mr Kirui was a rare professional banker who, over the years, literally carried Kenya’s and Africa’s flag to global heights in his mountaineering quest. He remains an icon and an inspiration to many,” KCB statement reads in part.
But it has now emerged that Kirui had posted something on his Facebook as he planned to make his attempt to the top of Mt Everest.
“Big project 2024: Everest No-Oxygen .It’s finally set to begin. An attempt to get to the highest point on earth without supplemental oxygen,” he shared.
Adding that, “Why no-ox? This is a curiosity expedition. For some reason, I feel I can comfortably climb Everest with oxygen, which unfortunately neutralises the thrill of such a climb for me. I’m not sure of my chances without oxygen though. Which makes such an attempt exciting…”
Here are some of his outstanding accomplishments:
– Summited Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) without supplemental oxygen in September 2023, becoming the first African to achieve this feat on a peak above 8,000 meters.
– Multiple speed climbs of Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895m), including completing the ascent and descent in just 15 hours.
– Over 20 ascents of Mt. Kenya, setting course records on the three main routes, including a remarkable time of 2 hours and 56 minutes on the Sirimon route from Old Moses to Lenana Summit.
– Expedition-style climb of Rwenzori (Mt. Stanley 5,109m) over six days.
– Traversed the Aberdare ranges, completing several routes including a self-supported South-North traverse.
Ultra Marathons:
– Second position in the Ultra Trail Chiang Mai, Thailand (160km, 6,100m elevation) in August 2022.
– Participated in the Cappadocia Ultra Trail, Turkey (121km, 3,600m elevation) in October 2021.
