By Debra Rono
Sports CS Ababu Namwamba has today officially unveiled the celebration of world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum at the Talanta Hall of Fame.
Namwamba who led the unveiling ceremony together with Kiptum’s son Caleb Kigen noted that it was both a sad and a happy moment as they got to celebrate an athlete who died just when his star was just starting to shine. “This is both a proud and sad moment as we celebrate the induction of a promising athlete who departed this world in his prime,” said Ababu.
In the ceremony that was attended by Elgeyo Marakwet County sports CEC Purity Koima,’ Ababu added that Kiptum would be the first legend to be officially inducted into the hall of fame and will remain a permanent heritage due to his incredible contribution to the athletics community. “This is Special because it is the very first formal induction, and Kelvin becomes the first of our legends to be formally inducted in this hall of fame and stands here as a permanent heritage to his incredible contribution”
Earlier on Ababu met with the families of the late Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hekizimana ahead of the unveiling of Kiptum’s celebration at the Hall of Fame.
The Talanta Hall of Fame is a renowned platform that honours outstanding achievements in the fields of creativity, sports, and innovation. It pays tribute to icons in different domains, including the legendary football star Joe Kadenge, the marathoner Paul Tergat, and the writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o, among others.
The government also donated Ksh 10 million to the families of Kiptum and Hakizimana, represented by his father Samson Cheruiyot, Kiptum’s widow Assenath and Hakizimana’s widow Jelimo. They thanked the government in unison for the support extended to them.