Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-10 11:03:51
The tragic drowning of Kenyan athlete Josephat Kibet Ng’etich while trying to rescue a dog in Mexico has finally come to a bittersweet conclusion with the repatriation of his body to his home country for burial. Ng’etich met his untimely demise on December 14, 2023, in the dam of a farm where he was working. His family, residing in Taabet village, Bomet Central Constituency, Bomet County, had initially been unable to gather the necessary Sh3 million required to repatriate his body. However, the government stepped in and made arrangements for his body to be brought back to Kenya.
The arrival of Ng’etich’s body at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on Friday evening was met with a mix of emotions for his family. “Sadly, we are receiving my son in a coffin yet he left the country healthy with the hope that he would turn around the fortunes of the family. I am grateful for the support we have received from all the well-wishers,” said Pauline Nowa, the athlete’s mother. His widow, Janet Ng’etich, expressed gratitude for the support of the Kenyan government and Mexican authorities in bringing his body home for a proper burial.
Ng’etich, who had been away from home for the past 17 years, last communicated with his family through a video call on November 17, expressing hope that he would soon be able to return home to be with his family. His return was made difficult by the loss of his travel documents in Mexico. Ng’etich had retired from active athletics after suffering a knee injury in 2006. However, he had a successful career, competing in various road races and the 3,000m steeplechase, with records available from World Athletics showing his participation in several races in South America.
The athlete’s silverware from his international races takes pride of place in his home in Balek village, Bomet County. Ng’etich’s accomplishments included winning the Saltillo Coahuila Half Marathon in 2005 and 2006, as well as the Monterrey Half Marathon in 2006. He also finished second in the Zapopan, Benito Jaurez Half Marathon in Zapopan the same year and won the Belo Horizonte 10km race in 2008, among other notable achievements.
John Kimetto, the Athletics Kenya (AK) Bomet branch chairman, expressed gratitude on behalf of the sporting fraternity for the support given to Ng’etich and his family by both the Kenyan and Mexican governments. The body has been taken to the Longisa County Referral Hospital mortuary for preservation as the family prepares for his final resting place.
In conclusion, the return of Josephat Kibet Ng’etich’s body to Kenya has brought a sense of closure to his family and the wider sporting community. While his passing is a significant loss, his legacy as an accomplished athlete lives on, and his family is grateful for the support received during this trying time.
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