Four men who visited the home of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum days before his death recorded a statement at Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Offices in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County on Wednesday, February 14.
Speaking after 6 hours grilling, the four revealed that they were sent by a Chinese Company to negotiate a Ksh.45 million contract signed with the athlete.
Through their lawyer Kipyegon Lagat, they said they were on a successful mission and even took photos after the negotiations.
“We have shared with the DCI on why they were there, they will be able to carry out their investigations but, on our part, they were there for a good course, and it was successful,” said Lagat.
Why we visited Kelvin Kiptum
Lagat said his clients were well known to the family and they had a fruitful meeting on that particular day.
“They were welcomed and received by the Kiptum’s parents and wife. They were given food, stayed there for three hours and the meeting was successful,” he added.
According to the four, they agreed that the matter was concluded only for the father to change tune and refer to them as strangers.
They denied allegations that they introduced themselves as State House representatives and dismissed claims linking them to the athlete’s demise.
Noah Kemboi, Company Representative said he was shocked when Kiptum’s father referred to them as strangers despite sharing their phone numbers and even having a meal with the family.
“Our conscious is very clear that whatever we were dealing with was something that was very and it was going to even help this family. It so unfortunate that whatever was very good has been brought almost to link us to something that is very bad,” said Kemboi.
Police Grilling
Iten Police CCIO Joshua Chelal said the four are alleged to have been deal breakers between the Chinese company and Kiptum.
“It is alleged that that Chinese Company were to supply sports equipment to the late Kiptum to be used during the Chicago marathon but the athlete sort to use a different company.
They sent the four men to negotiate if they could be compensated or they could be given another opportunity to supply more equipment for the forthcoming Rotterdam race,” said Chelal.
Also Read: Kelvin Kiptum: Police Confirm Cause of Death, Answer Key Questions
Sources who spoke to a local media said the athlete had opted to pay back the company, but the company was interested in having him fulfill his contractual obligations.
They explained that the Company was not interested in a legal battle and sent the four to negotiate a deal.
The four are required to report back to the CCIO on Friday, February 16 as investigations continue.
Also Read: Why Kelvin Kiptum’s Coach Made U-Turn Not to Relocate to France
Father’s Allegations
Kiptum’s father Samson Cheruiyot had asked the government to investigate the four who he termed to as strangers.
Cheruiyot claimed that the me introduced themselves as government officials with unclear mission.
“They came four days from now, there were four of them and I even have the vehicle’s number plate and their phone numbers. I don’t know what they wanted to do to my son. I told them to provide documents to verify that they were from the government,’ he said.
Kiptum died in a road accident alongside his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana on February 11.
The burial preparations for the late Kiptum have begun with the organizing committee announcing the athlete will be laid to rest on Saturday, February 24.
