President William Ruto has pledged to reward the late World Marathon Record holder Kelvin Kiptum with another house.
The head of state made the promise while addressing mourners during Kiptum’s burial on February 23, 2024, in Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
According to President Ruto, the house which will be under the affordable housing project, shall be under the late Kiptum wife’s name, Asenath Rotich.
Ruto further stated that the government has already rewarded his family with a total sum of Ksh5 million.
“I have already given the family Ksh5 million and apart from the house that we already built here, we shall give him a good house which shall go to his widow,” he said.
At the same time, Ruto also pledged that he will consider and ensure that Kiptum’s wife gets a job after consultation with Elgeyo Marakwet governor Wesley Rotich.
“Mama Asenath, we shall sit with Governor Rotich so that we agree on the kind of work that she will be given so that you she may be able to bring up the kids,” he said.
Ruto mourns Kiptum
While mourning him, Ruto described the champion as a national hero who ascended to the ranks of the nation’s heroes and distinguished ambassadors, playing a crucial role in keeping Kenya prominently on the global map.
Also Read: LIVE BLOG: Ruto Leads the World to Pay Kiptum’s Last Respect
The head of state has also pledged that his government will build a modern market, affordable housing units, and extending last-mile connectivity at Kiptum’s constituency of Chepkorio.
According to Ruto, these initiatives will aim to enhance the community’s infrastructure and improve the overall quality of life.
Kelvin laid to rest
Ruto joined the family of the late Kiptum, friends, and other dignitaries including World Athletics President Sebastian Coe who were present at the ceremony as the champion was laid to rest.
“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.
Also Read: EXPLAINED: Technology Used by Contractor to Finish Kiptum’s House in Five Days
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on his part asked Ruto to find a way to accommodate World Record holders in government parastatals as ambassadors despite having little academic qualifications.
The late Kiptum and his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana sadly passed away after being involved in a fatal road crash on February 11, 2024, along the Eldoret – Ravine Road.
An autopsy report by government pathologist Johansen Oduor revealed that Kiptum died as a result of severe injuries suffered in different parts of the body including the lungs and spine.
He has been laid to rest as the reigning world Marathon record holder and boasts three of the top seven best recorded Marathon times in history.
