International marathoner Nicholas Mwiti will be the brand ambassador of the inaugural Meru Press Club Anti-SGBV and Mental Health Awareness Run.
The awareness run, an initiative of Meru Press Club (MPC), is set to take place on 20th September 2025 at Meru University.
MPC is an association of journalists based in Meru County.
The run is designed to raise awareness around the growing challenges of gender-based violence (GBV) and mental health the pressing issues that continue to affect countless individuals, particularly youth, across Meru County.
Mwiti, a celebrated long-distance athlete with an impressive track record on the global stage, expressed enthusiasm in aligning with a cause he describes as “close to his heart.”
The athlete’s involvement as an ambassador marks a major milestone for the MPC, which is the first media community organization in Kenya to champion such a socially-driven initiative.
Speaking when he met MPC officials, Mwiti commended the media’s proactive role in addressing societal challenges.
“As an athlete, I always like to run for a cause. This is a wonderful move by the media. Gender based violence is a major challenge in Meru and the country as well.
I am ready to rally behind the organizers of the Anti-SGBV and Mental Health Awareness Run to bring change in my home county,” said Mwiti.
The athlete pledged not only his voice but also part of his financial earnings toward supporting affected communities.
“Even as I run internationally, I am committed to donating part of my income to help mitigate the rising SGBV. We will now work closely to grow this event and bring everyone on board to raise a generation free of the vice,” he added.
Mwiti will not only help create awareness about the event but also inspire local athletes.
He brings to the table an impressive impact being the reigning Berlin Half Marathon Champion (2024) as well as Ingluten Half Marathon Winner in Germany (2025).
Mwiti is also the Ruwenzori 10km Champion in Uganda (2025), and most recently, the Kilifi Half Marathon Winner.
A seasoned runner across 10km, 21km, and full 42km marathons, Mwiti’s career is a testament to discipline, resilience, and excellence.
“I’m working hard to earn recognition both nationally and internationally to consistently inspire the youth, and give back to the community ” he noted.
The Meru Press Club leadership expressed excitement at Mwiti’s support, terming it a breakthrough moment for both the club and the broader Meru community.
MPC Chairman David Muchui lauded Mwiti for joining the Anti-SGBV and Mental Health Awareness Run initiative.
“As journalists, we tell the stories of those suffering in silence. This run is our way going beyond writing and sparking real conversations and tangible support for those affected by GBV and mental health issues,” said Muchui.
The run will feature various categories, 5, 10 and 21 kilometres.
“Attracting an international runner and winner is a great breakthrough. We believe this initiative will go a long way in bringing transformative change in our society and help reduce the increasing cases of SGBV where women and girls are the most affected,” said Dorcas Mbatia, the MPC Vice chairperson.
Organizers are expecting strong participation from National and county government , institutions, community members, political class and civil society groups, all united under the theme of healing and empowerment.
SGBV statistics
According to recent statistics, Meru County has witnessed a disturbing rise in gender-based violence cases, many of which are linked to unaddressed mental health issues.
Victims particularly young women and men—often suffer in silence due to fear of stigma, lack of resources, or limited awareness of their rights and options.
Proceeds from the event will go toward local media awareness campaigns, Anti-SGBV support programs, and mental health interventions.
