Athletes, along with family and friends, gathered at Eldoret hospital mortuary to pay their respects on the morning of Thursday, February 22, as the body of Kelvin Kiptum began its journey to Iten town in Elgeyo Marakwet for public viewing.
Iten is noted for its high altitude performance training centres that have produced world champions. It was therefore befitting that the late marathon legend had one last run at Iten before he is laid to rest.
After the procession, the body will then be transported to his Chepsamo residence for prayers and a night vigil.
A poignant memorial service is scheduled to take place at Chepsamo primary school on Friday, February 23, followed by the interment at his farm in Naiberi, Uasin Gishu County.
The somber occasion was marked by a heartfelt procession and candlelight vigil in Eldoret town last night, where athletes including Amos Kipruto, Julius Yego, and Janet Jepkosgei paid tribute to the memory of the late Kelvin Kiptum.
The star athletes were also joined at the vigil by hundreds of residents from Uasin Gishu County.
Reflecting on Kiptum’s untimely passing, the athletes spoke of him as a diligent young man with a bright future in athletics.
“We had high hopes for him, and we were confident he would achieve a sub-2 time in his career. We have lost a gifted young athlete, and his absence will be deeply felt,” Julius Yego, the Javelin champion mourned.
Former Kenyan middle-distance runner Janet Jepkosgei lamented the loss of several talented athletes in recent times and appealed to Kenyans to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.
“Remember us in your prayers; we have lost many of our colleagues in tragic circumstances,” Jepkosgei urged.
Meanwhile, constructions for Kiptum’s family home are in the final gear ahead of his funeral on Friday, February 23. President Ruto and other government dignitaries are also expected to grace the funeral ceremony.
