Cleophas Ondula: Kenyan Artist Makes Eliud Kipchoge's Sculpture, Sells It At KSh 700k

• Uasin Gishu government was forced to remove funny statues of athletes following a public uproar over their quality
• The county government prepared to celebrate the elevation of Eldoret town to city status with the sculptures of Olympic champions
• Kenyans shared the sculpture of Eliud Kipchoge, grafted by Cleophas Ondula, saying he's one of the talents the county government ought to have contracted
• Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, Ondula revealed that the statue that took him four months to complete sells at KSh 700,000

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia has over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting and offers deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

They say art is hereditary. Well, this has, over the years, been viewed as a myth, but to some artists like Cleophas Ondula, it sounds true.

Ondula inherited the skills from his late father at the tender age of 13 and has mastered the art for the past 21 years.

Kenyans compare Ondula's art with funny Eldoret statues

When the news broke that funny sculptures of Kenyan athletes were mounted in Eldoret City, Kenyans went to their archives to find the talented work of Ondula.

The majority argued that the county government of Uasin Gishu should have contracted such a talent instead of the embarrassing statues.

"Kipchumba Murkomen, here is the name of the artist who’s meant to do the work you need him to do in the Home of Champions. Talanta imejaa Kenya. Anaitwa Cleophas Ondula. I’m sure tukimtafuta tutampata," said Larry Asego, an X user.

How much is Eliud Kipchoge's sculpture?

In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke Ondula, whose late father sculpted Tom Mboya's statue in Nairobi CBD, said it took him four months, with the help of his wife Cheryl Nagawa, to complete Eliud Kipchoge's statue.

He revealed that the Olympic marathon champion was impressed when he saw the statue.

"Yes, Kipchoge has seen the sculpture and he likes it. We met with his management team about acquiring the statue and the meeting was fruitful," said Ondula.

The former Kenyatta University student, who dropped out to concentrate on art, said he prices his production based on different factors like size, material and level of detailing.

"The price ranges from KSh 700,000 to about KSh 1.5 million, depending on the material I use to make the sculpture, for example, bonded bronze and bronze," he said.

Is sculpturing Ondula's full-time job?

Born in Siaya county, Ondula revealed that he uses plasticine (artificial clay) to make a silicone mould and then casts it using resin and fibreglass to create beautiful pieces of art.

He revealed that he sources most of his materials from India and China.

"Sculpting is my full-time job. Just like any other hustle, there are good days and bad days... but when I work on a piece of art and get paid, I am able to budget accordingly and pay bills," he added.

Ondula said he looks forward to advancing his skills to meet the changing dynamics, especially in this error of technology.

What Ondula said about funny Eldoret statues

Sharing his views on the funny sculptures in Eldoret city, Ondula said the government to have scrutinise pieces of art before displaying them to the public.

He also urged public leaders to recognise the work of many talented Kenyans instead of prioritising their personal interests.

"If Eldoret officials reach out I'm more than glad to deploy my services. My works are detailed and close to real-life resemblance," he noted.

Uasin Gishu county government was forced to pull down the statue ahead of Eldoret being unveiled as the city.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.