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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Everest Today, a publication that covers mountaineering, has reported a sudden surge in its audience.
The publication was the first to break the news about the death of Kenyan Banker Cheruiyot Kirui.
Kirui's adventurous sojourn to the summit point of Mt Everest ended tragically on Thursday, May 23.
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The banker attached to the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) had disappeared after scaling 8,000 metres above the world's highest mountain.
Rescuer guides deployed by his host expedition company found his body hours after he was reported missing.
According to the publication, Kirui's remains were found a few meters below the summit point.
Amidst the sorrow and grief following Kirui's untimely death, Everest Today has found a silver lining.
The publication reported a sudden surge in their followers on social media as news of Kirui's death spread like wildfire.
They expressed their gratitude for the new followers and joked that it felt like the whole of Kenya was following them.
"It seems like the entire Kenya is flooded to follow us. Thank you," they wrote.
Sheila Mwanyigha:
"He may have passed away alone, but he brought us all to that mountain."
SafeSchoolsKE:
"Well, the name Kenya is brand! We like and follow constructive reporting and you don’t have to follow back, though I know you will."
Wanjiru:
"NOTE: we did not follow you coz we are happy. Its important to note that we move very funny, make sure we don't get irritated."
Jabulani Nkosi:
"Kenyans appreciate good work and your updates have been very good. RIP to our Kenyan hero!. We shall one day conquer Mt. Everest the way we conquer all the marathons on earth."
Elon Mursik:
"Flooded may not be the same most politically correct word to use at this time but we do appreciate that updates."
While getting fixated on his plan to scale without oxygen, Kirui had admitted it was a risky business.
He was alive to the fact that most mountaineers who had embraced the no-oxygen challenge did not end it alive.
Still insisting on the dare-devil adventure, Kirui was aware he suffered from High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), which would be worsened by the ascension to higher altitudes.
Therefore, he armed himself with Nifedipine, which would help relax the heart muscles and blood vessels if HAPE visited him during the climb.
At the extreme of the unfavourable conditions, he banked on his sherpa, who would carry emergency oxygen.
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Kirui attempting to climb a mountain.
X Handle that Broke Cheruiyot Kirui's Death Receives Massive Following
X Handle that Broke Cheruiyot Kirui's Death Receives Massive Following