By Lauryne Akoth
Government pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor completed the post-mortem of the late world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.
Addressing journalists in a press conference on Wednesday, the pathologist stated Kelvin had severe head injuries; scalp fractures located at the base of the skull. He also added that Kiptum’s spinal cord had intruded into the cranial cavity due to the fractures.
“There were some fractures on the ribs on both sides. The first second and third ribs were fractured on his left side while on the right, the fourth fifth, and seventh ribs were fractured on his right. Kiptum also had contusions in the lungs. What killed the late Kevin was severe head injuries which when I look at them look more like something caused by a motor vehicle accident.”
Dr Oduor also stated that they had taken samples for further analysis following the open investigations into the cause of death. ” There are samples we have taken which will undergo a full toxicological analysis so that we can see if there could be anything that contributed to his motor vehicle accident,” he said.
A spokesperson from Kiptum’s family stated that his family was pleased with the autopsy results. Speaking to the media, he said,” I have witnessed the whole process. We started at 11 am and finished around 1:40p.m We are waiting for the results of the sample taken for toxicological analysis, however, we are pleased with the autopsy results.”
He further added that Kiptum’s body will be transported from the mortuary tomorrow en route to his residence in Chepsamo. Meanwhile, funeral arrangements are taking place for the burial ceremony that will take place on Friday at Chepsamo Primary School.
The three-bedroom house under construction for the late Kiptum’s family will be completed today evening awaiting the handover ceremony which will take place tomorrow. President William Samoei Ruto had given directives for the contractors to build the three-bedroomed house for the fallen athlete’s family in seven days.
The state is set to give him a hero’s send-off on Friday with the president in attendance. Kiptum’s burial was rescheduled from Saturday, 24th February to Friday 23rd to coincide with the president’s calendar.
The president will be having a visit to Namibia on Saturday 24th February.