The grieving family of marathon sensation Kelvin Kiptum is earnestly appealing to the government to launch a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.
This heartbreaking plea comes as Kenya mourns the tragic loss of the world record holder, a rising star who captured global attention with his remarkable marathon achievement in October 2023, completing the race in an astounding 2:00:35.
Kiptum’s promising career was cut short on Sunday, February 11, 2024, when he succumbed to injuries sustained in a tragic road accident.
The only child of Samson Cheruiyot, Kiptum had become a beacon of hope and pride for his family and the nation at large.
Cheruiyot, recalling the moment he received the devastating news, shared, “I got the news of my son’s death while I was watching the news. I went to the scene of the accident, but the police had taken the body to Eldoret.”
“He told me someone will come and help us build a house. He said that his body is now fit, and he can now run for 1:59,” said his father.
The bereaved father, grappling with the profound loss of his only child, revealed the last conversation with Kiptum, who had promised more medals and a brighter future.
“Kiptum was my only child. He has left me, his mom, and his kids. I have no other child. His mom was sick for a while. Right now I’m deeply saddened,” he said.
Cheruiyot has also raised concerns about unknown individuals who had recently visited their homestead, seeking Kiptum.
“There are people who came home a while back who were looking for Kiptum but they refused to identify themselves. I asked them to provide identification, but they opted to leave. It was a group of 4 people,” he said.
The tragic incident occurred late at night, around 11 p.m., along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine Road in the Kaptagat area, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Alongside Kiptum, his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana also lost his life, leaving the sports community and the nation in mourning.
