The family of Rwandese coach Garvais Hakizamana, who tragically lost his life alongside World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum, has rejected the results of an autopsy conducted by the government and is urging for further investigations.
“We are not satisfied, and we are asking the Kenya government to carry out proper investigations into the accident,” stated Sandrine Usawe, a niece to the coach.
“We visited the scene of the accident and saw the body before the postmortem, and the doctor said everything was normal and the cause of the death was injuries on the skull,” she continued.
Usawe expressed concern about the condition of the vehicle after the accident, questioning how a passenger, Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei, emerged unscathed. “We are just wondering how someone can come out of the car without any wounds,” she added.
Despite surviving the Sunday night accident and being discharged from the hospital the following day, Kosgei has yet to speak out publicly.
Meanwhile, a team of pathologists led by Dr. Benson Macharia conducted a postmortem on the coach’s body, revealing serious fractures on the skull and multiple bruises on various parts of the body.
The body of Hakizamana will be flown to Nairobi on Saturday before being transported to Kigali, Rwanda, for burial.
As investigations continue, Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge assured that a comprehensive report would be released upon completion of the investigations.
DCI detectives have been actively involved, visiting the accident scene and other areas in Eldoret town where the deceased were last seen before the fatal crash.
While Kiptum’s family is yet to schedule a postmortem for his body, Athletics Kenya officials have announced plans for his burial on February 24.
