How Samuel Wanjiru Lived a Life of Parties and Extravagance Before his Death

Samuel Wanjiru is still in history books as one of Kenya’s greatest athletes, having won Olympic gold at the age of 21. Nonetheless, as his popularity increased, it came with massive wealth, and as a young man, it somehow affected his judgment, leading him to live a life full of partying and drinking.

At the peak of his career, Samuel Wanjiru had it all, only to have it followed by an untimely death that sent shockwaves across the world.

In this segment, Times Digital Kenya, 15 years after the late Kenyan marathoner died, reflects on his athletic achievements, extravagant life, and partying.

Samuel Wanjiru’s Athletic Prowess

Samuel Wanjiru was not just an ordinary athlete; despite being a young man in his early 20s, he helped shape modern marathon racing. He truly stole the show in 2008 at the age of 21 when he won the Beijing Olympic gold medal, making his name known around the world.

Not only was he the youngest Olympic marathon winner since 1932, but Wanjiru’s victory also made him the first Kenyan ever to win the Olympic marathon. In addition, in his own country’s history, Samuel Wanjiru set an Olympic record of 2:06:32, which stood for 16 years until the Paris Olympics in 2024.

In 2009, he participated in the London Marathon, where he set a personal record of 2:05:10, and later ran the Chicago Marathon in 2009 and 2010, finishing with times of 2:05:41 and 2:06:24, respectively.

Aside from that, Samuel Wanjiru set the Half Marathon World Record three times, as well as the 10,000m World Junior Record in 2005 with a time of 26:41.75. The World Junior Record proved hard to break, remaining unbroken for nearly 19 years until 2024.

Wealth and Persona

At his peak, Samuel Wanjiru earned around $200,000 per appearance, a figure that only matched Usain Bolt at the time.

Through his earnings and endorsements, he made an estimated Ksh 500 million between 2007 and 2010. With his hard earned money, the late athlete invested in various ventures, including the Bird Nest Complex in Nakuru and several homes.

The ‘Party Monster’

Aside from investments, Samuel Wanjiru was known for extravagant spending, most notably his love for expensive cars. At one point, the marathoner walked into a showroom and showed he had enough wealth to buy six vehicles at once. Some of the cars he purchased that day included a Range Rover, Subaru Impreza, and Toyota Land Cruiser.

His love for luxury was also evident in his partying, especially in his hometown of Nyahururu. When visiting clubs, he would have all doors closed and pay for drinks for everyone. Reports suggest his bills could reach around Sh 200,000 in a single night.

Samuel Wanjiru’s passion for clubbing did not hinder his generosity, as he also supported over 30 athletes and local families through financial assistance.

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