Nyantika Maiyoro, the first Kenyan runner to compete in the Olympic Games at Melbourne 1956, has died at the age of 88 ©YouTube

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) have pledged to support the family of Nyantika Maiyoro, the country's first Olympian, who has passed away at the age of 88.

The trailblazing Maiyoro, who competed for Kenya under British colonial rule at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, finishing seventh in the 5,000 metres, died last night at the Christa Marianne Hospital in Kisii.

"We are very saddened to learn of the demise of our pioneer Olympian, Nyantika Maiyoro," NOCK President Paul Tergat said.

"This death has robbed Kenya of an illustrious legend and very inspiring athlete who placed Kenya at the global map and opened the way for our athletics and, indeed sporting prowess.

"As an Olympic Committee family, we feel the deep sense of loss by his family, friends and the entire nation and send our condolences and sympathies to them and our sporting fraternity, especially athletics.

"Just a week ago, when we learnt of his ailment, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya had pledged to support him and the family in the medical bills. 

"This development, therefore, is a shock to us and assure them that we will stand with them in solidarity during this moment of great grieving."

Nyantika Maiyoro had been an Olympic pioneer for Kenyan runners and blazed a trail followed by current NOCK President Paul Tergat, a double Olympic 10,000m silver medallist ©Getty Images
Nyantika Maiyoro had been an Olympic pioneer for Kenyan runners and blazed a trail followed by current NOCK President Paul Tergat, a double Olympic 10,000m silver medallist ©Getty Images

Maiyoro had been in and out of hospital for the last few years and had trouble clearing his bills until NOCK came to his aid, promising to clear his debt. 

Tergat had been one of the hundreds of Kenyan runners to follow in the trail blazed by Maiyoro, winning Olympic silver medals in the 10,000m at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000. 

"It is once again a reminder to us all, particularly those in authority, of the urgent necessity to find a way of addressing the welfare of our athletes and, especially those who have retired from their active careers in the short and long term," Tergat said.

"The National Olympic Committee of Kenya is already addressing this under our ongoing strategic plan development and hope that all stakeholders will find leadership and collaborate in this urgent area of our athletes' lives."

As well as Melbourne 1956, Maiyoro also competed at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, finishing sixth in the 5,000m in a then-African record of 13min 52.8sec. 

In another big loss for Kenyan athletics, Commonwealth Games javelin bronze medallist John Mayaka also died at the weekend. 

He had won his bronze medal at Christchurch 1974. 

Mayaka was 70.