The family of the late world record-holder marathoner Kelvin Kiptum has appealed for public help from Kenyans.
In a viral video circulating on social media, Kiptum’s family has asked Kenyans to assist them in managing several issues, citing financial difficulties since their son’s passing.
“What I want to tell Kenyans is that the current situation we are in has forced us to seek help from you.
We have tried several times to seek help from Kenyans across all social media platforms, but there have been attempts to block us from doing so,” Kiptum’s father revealed.
Kiptum’s father further narrated that he could no longer withstand being blocked from seeking help.
Kelvin Kiptum’s family appeals for financial help
“I was wondering why they were blocking us. If the situation is this dire, why should we be blocked from asking for help?”
“When our son passed on, we did not know we would have to live like this,” the father narrated.
Kiptum’s father wants Kenyans and Kiptum’s friends at large to help him in addressing three issues.
Also Read: Kelvin Kiptum & Other Kenyan Gold-Winning Athletes Who Died in Their Prime
“We don’t have a toilet in our compound. When visitors come to our place, we don’t know where to direct them to relieve themselves. The second problem I have is that my maize is almost ready for harvest, and I do not know where I will store it.”
“The third problem is that we have been spending a lot of money purchasing water and hiring tractors to bring us water. Help us to solve this,” the father stated.
Kelvin’s father alleges that powerful individuals have blocked them from seeking help
The Father of the late marathoner alleges that there have been powerful individuals who have been a stumbling block whenever they try to seek aid. He alleges that these individuals have been asking them to remain silent.
“We are really suffering. If we want to speak, there are powerful individuals preventing us from doing so,” the father alleged.
On her part, Kiptum’s mother said that Kiptum was her only child and his death has caused them to suffer financially since they depended on him.
Kiptum’s family plea to Kenyans months after President William Ruto had constructed a three bedroom house for their son’s family.
Also Read: Ruto Gifts Kiptum Another House Under Affordable Housing
Kelvin died alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana in a fatal road accident that occurred along Eldoret-Kaptagat road on February 11, 2024.
The world record holder passed on some days after the World Athletics ratified his marathon record of 2:00:35 set in Chicago in 2023.
Kelvin was the first athlete to break 2:01 in a record-eligible marathon, taking 34 seconds off the world record at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 8.
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