Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has said the government will work closely with the family of the late Kelvin Kiptum to give the world marathon record holder a hero’s send-off.
Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana perished in a tragic road accident on Sunday night along the Elgeyo-Marakwet road in Kaptagat.
While addressing the press on Monday at the Talanta Plaza in Nairobi, Namwamba hailed Kiptum as a hero who put Kenya on the world map when he smashed the men’s marathon world record with a 2:00:35 run in Chicago in October 2023.
It was on October 10, just two days after setting the world record that Namwamba awarded Kiptum Ksh5 million in line with the government’s new policy of awarding world record holders KSh5 million.
“Kelvin stood prominently atop our list of recommendations for the prestigious National Honors, and it was with great pleasure that we received President William Ruto’s endorsement. Indeed, in recognition of his outstanding contributions, Kelvin was bestowed with the esteemed Order of the Grand Warrior. Today, as we reflect on his untimely departure, our hearts are heavy with sorrow. His legacy, however, remains etched in our memories, a testament to his remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication.” said CS Namwamba in a heartfelt speech.
According to a police report, Kiptum lost control of his Toyota Premio which veered off-road entering into a ditch for 60m before hitting a tree. Kiptum and Hakizimana died on the spot while a 2nd passenger identified as Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei survived the crash and was released from the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital on Monday.