By Lauryne Akoth
President Ruto and His Deputy Rigathi Gachagua arrived for Kiptum’s funeral service on Chepkorio grounds today morning.
They were received by several dignitaries including the cabinet secretary for sports Ababu Namwamba and the president of the International Association of Athletics Sebastian Coe. They paid their respects to the family of the late athlete.
The government has been very active in the funeral arrangements of both Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hezikimana since their passing. Following the cabinet meeting held at the state house on 14th February, It was agreed that the state would take over funeral arrangements and accord the late Kiptum a hero’s send-off.
Since then, President Ruto ordered the construction of a three-bedroom house for the late Kiptum on his property in Naiberi, Elgeyo Marakwet. As per his orders, the house was constructed in a record time of one week. The president is set to officially hand over the completed house to Kiptum’s family today.
The government also ensured that Kiptum’s gravesite was prepared in line with the Kalenjin’s traditions. According to the Kalenjin traditions, the gravesite has to be prepared on the material day of the burial. It also has to be a few meters on the right-hand side of the house of the late.
The government has also been instrumental in the funeral of Kiptum’s coach Gervais Hazikimana. Gervai’s body was repatriated to his home country Rwanda on 17th February ahead of his burial in Rusororo cemetery in Kigali on 21st February 2024.
Kenya’s government was represented by the sports cabinet secretary Ababu Namwamba together with officials from Athletics Kenya.
The Kenyan government donated Kshs 5M in support of Gervais’ family. The funeral service is still underway with several dignitaries paying their tributes.