Hakizimana Gervais, the coach of the late world marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum, is scheduled to be laid to rest today at the Rusororo Cemetery in Kigali, Rwanda.
The funeral service for Hakizimana, which commenced on Tuesday, will reach its conclusion with a burial service today.
The tragic demise of Hakizimana occurred in a road accident along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road on February 11, 2024, claiming the lives of both the coach and Kiptum. A female passenger accompanying the two was however not injured.
An autopsy report conducted by pathologist Dr. Benson Macharia indicated that Hakizimana succumbed to a head injury. However, his family has contested the findings, citing inconsistencies.
“When we viewed him, he did not have fractures at all. We therefore reject this report,” stated the deceased’s niece, Sandrine.
Meanwhile, arrangements for Kiptum’s burial at his family home on Friday 23rd February are progressing. The plans include the completion of the construction of his family’s house.
Originally slated for Saturday, February 24th, the burial has been rescheduled to Friday, February 23rd, to accommodate the attendance of President William Ruto, who is scheduled to depart for Namibia on Saturday.