The funeral service for world record holder Kelvin Kiptum is ongoing at Chepkorio showground, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, as friends, relatives and the entire country lays the champion to rest.
The 24-year-old was involved in a car accident on February 11 and succumbed to severe injuries suffered on the head.
Kiptum is remembered for breaking the Marathon World Record by finishing at 2:00:35 time in the Chicago Marathon in October 2023.
President William Ruto and World Athletics head Sebastian Coe were among the dignitaries present at the ceremony.
“It has been just about two weeks since we learned of the tragic loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his Rwandan coach Gervis Hakizimana.
“At just 24 years old, Kelvin had already been feted as one of the greatest marathon runners the world has ever seen. In fact, I had only just officially ratified the magnificent world record when I was in Chicago on the Tuesday before his passing, so to now be attending his funeral just weeks later is very painful,” Coe said as he mourned Kiptum.
2:21 pm: President William Ruto eulogizes Kiptum.
Ruto announced that he would gift Kiptum’s family another house an additional Ksh5 million.
“Even in his death, Kelvin is speaking to us in many ways. He was ambitious, disciplined and focused.”
2:17 pm: Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua eulogized Kiptum, asks athletes to honor him by breaking other world records. Gachagua asked Ruto to allow him to go to the Paris Olympics to support Kenyan athletes.
2:14 pm: Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi eulogizes Kelvin Kiptum.
1:55 pm: Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba gives speech.
“In honor of our fallen hero, I see no reason why we cannot at Chepkorio grounds in the upgrading program that is going on.”
“Your excellency, I give an assurance that we will put together all amount owed to Kiptum and ensure that it is paid.”
1:48 pm: Transports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen takes to the podium to eulogize Kiptum. Murkomen asks Ruto to find a way to accommodate World Record holders in government parastatals as ambassadors despite little academic qualifications.
12:32 pm: World Athletics President Sebastian Coe gives speech. Celebrates Kelvin as an extraordinary young man saying that he would have written more chapters in the history of Kenya and the world of athletics.
12:30 pm: Nike Vice President gives speech on behalf of the company. He has eulogized Kevin as a humble man and a special athlete.
“We believe Kelvin had his eyes set on the future, leading us from the front. When we were with Kelvin kiptum, we were in the presence of greatness.”
12:20 pm: Kelvin Kiptum’s wife Asenath Rotich, pays an emotional tribute to the late athlete.
“It is unbelievable that today I have learnt to stay with our beloved kids without you coming home again. I have cried until no more. I will mis you forever until we meet again.
“But I promise to gather my strength for the sake of our children. I hope in the spirit world you will inspire me to stand as a pillar to our children, I promise to make them smile in your honor.
“We have been planning for our big day to tie our knot in a colorful wedding ceremony in April 2024, but Gods plans are greater. I will still make my vows of love even in your rest. You have been the best father and son. Rest in peace.”
11:50 am: The eulogy of Kelvin Kiptum is read.
11:39 am: Hundreds of athletes attending the funeral service kneel down for special prayer from Bishop Paul Korir. Among the present athletes are Retired Olympic Champion Ezekiel Kemboi, Javelin champion Julius Yego and others.
They pay their last respects by covering his casket with flowers.
11:01 am: President William Ruto, deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi arrive at the showground and pay last respects to Kiptum.
Other dignitaries present are Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi.
10:24 am: Grave site for late marathoner is being prepared in the compound of his family home constructed in a record time of 7 days under the instructions of President William Ruto.
9:50 am: Cabinet Secretaries Ababu Namwamba (Sports) and Florence Bore (Labour) view the body as they pay their final respects.
9:00 am: Kiptum’s body arrives at Chepkorio Showgrounds for the funeral service. Kiptum’s wife Asenath Rotich and his two children arrive at Chepkorio Showgrounds.
Mourners including Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon, marathon legend Catherine Ndereba and National Olympic Committee of Kenya President, Paul Tergat arrive at the showgrounds.
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