President William Ruto on Thursday, February 15, dispatched government engineers to the home of the late World Record holder Kelvin Kiptum, instructing them to construct a 3-bedroom house for his family.
Ruto directed the experts to complete the construction within seven days, in time for Kiptum’s burial scheduled for February 24.
It is anticipated that the President will oversee the handing over of the house to Kiptum’s widow and children before the deceased is laid to rest.
In compliance with the directive, construction is set to commence on Friday, following consultations between the engineers and the athlete’s family held on Thursday. Discussions during the meeting focused on whether the house should be built at Kiptum’s father’s residence or on a parcel of land purchased by the athlete.
Kiptum had expressed his last wish to build a home for his family before his untimely demise in an accident on Sunday, February 11.
According to his wife, Asenath Jeruto, Kiptum had already drafted architectural plans for the dream house, which had received approval from the county government. The family had originally planned to commence construction later in the year.
“We had many plans with my husband. I was supposed to accompany him to the Rotterdam Marathon in April. The construction of the house was scheduled for June, and we planned to move in afterward. He also intended to establish a business for me as I am a stay-at-home mom,” Jeruto said.