A significant development is that the burial plans for the world marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, have been moved from their originally announced Saturday date to this Friday. Because of his scheduled travel to Namibia on Saturday, President William Ruto is anticipated to be present.
Originally set for February 24, the burial date was altered due to President Ruto’s scheduling commitments. The government has assumed responsibility for the funeral planning, taking on all associated costs to ensure a dignified farewell for the late marathoner.
Image: Patrick Gorski/USA Today/Reuters
An official source explained, “The president is keen on ensuring a befitting send-off for the late marathoner; hence, the government has taken the lead, closely coordinating with the family.”
Last week, President Ruto underscored his commitment to honoring Kiptum’s legacy by dispatching a team of engineers to oversee the construction of a new house. Asenath Rotich, Kiptum’s widow, expressed their joint plans for a new business and residence, appreciating the support received for the ongoing construction.
The construction, managed by Vaghjiyani Enterprises on a four-acre farm at Naiberi, is progressing rapidly, entering its fourth day on Tuesday. Another house is concurrently under construction for Kiptum’s parents in Chepsamo village, expected to be completed on Thursday before being handed over to the family.
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Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen visited the family on Sunday to extend condolences and inspect the ongoing construction. The accelerated pace of the project aims to ensure completion before the burial.
In adherence to tradition, Kiptum’s body is scheduled to leave Eldoret on Thursday, spending the night at his residence. The 24-year-old marathoner, survived by two children aged seven and four, tragically lost his life in an accident alongside his former coach, Gervais Hakizimana, on February 11.
The accident, occurring in the Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road, claimed the lives of both Kiptum and Hakizimana, casting a somber shadow over the athletics community.
