Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have revealed the late world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum’s last moments before the accident that claimed his life and the life of his Rwandan Coach Gervais Hakizimana.
Tracing back Kiptum’s steps, the detectives determined that the world record holder visited a carwash and restaurant in the evening of that fateful day.
CCTV cameras of the establishment captured him speaking to a middle-aged man for a few minutes before they left together in Kiptum’s car.
Later, Kiptum is reported to have visited the Wells Irish Pub and Restaurant where he frequented. This time, he was in the company of a man and another lady.
They arrived at the restaurant at around 6:30 and left at 8:58 pm.
Kiptum’s Last Meal
Further, the three then went to the Grand Miarmir Restaurant at around 9:10pm where Kiptum was reported to have ordered Meat and boiled bananas. His last meal.
“The late Kiptum came here at around 9:10 pm, parked his car and ordered his food. He ordered meat and bananas. He left at around 10:25 pm and I think it is around that time that he got into the accident.
“I called and my employees reported to me that Kiptum was here, and they were devastated that they were the ones who fed him his last meal. We send our condolences to the family,” the restaurant owner stated.
Also Read: New Twist as Family of Kiptum’s Coach Questions Cause of Death
He paid the bill amounting to ksh3,150 using Mpesa. Shortly after, a little past 10:00pm, Kiptum was reported to have been involved in an accident.
Female Survivor Reveals Moments Before Accident
On February 15, Sharon Kosgei, the survivor of the accident revealed to Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge that right before the accident, the vehicle veered off the road.
Sharon narrated that she tried to warn Kelvin who was behind the wheel, but he was not able to take back control of the vehicle.
“During the time of the accident, she saw the driver of the vehicle the late Kelvin Kiptum getting out of the road then she alerted him, but he was unable to control the vehicle,
“We were able to record statements of Sharon Kosgei. The investigation is still ongoing and once we are through, we will deliver our findings,” Mulinge said.
Also Read: Ruto Orders Construction of a House for Kiptum’s Family Before Burial
Ruto orders the Construction of Kiptum’s House
President William Ruto ordered the construction of a new house for the late Kelvin Kiptum’s parents at his rural home in Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Engineers sent by Ruto visited Kiptum’s family on Thursday, February 15 to initiate the construction of a 3-bedroomed house that has to be ready before he is buried on the 24th of February.
Additionally, the head of state indicated that he wanted to attend the event at that location before the late Kiptum is honored as a hero.
Also, President Ruto led the Cabinet in paying tribute to the late marathon world record-holder during a Cabinet meeting held on February 14, 2024.
According to State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the Cabinet observed a minute of silence to commemorate the late Kiptum and his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana.