Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-23 14:03:07
The funeral service for Kelvin Kiptum, a world record holder, is currently taking place at Chepkorio Primary School in Elgeyo Marakwet County. This solemn occasion has attracted esteemed guests, including President William Ruto and World Athletics head Sebastian Coe. Kenyans.co.ke is providing real-time updates on the event, so keep refreshing this page for the latest information.
At 3:02 pm, the funeral service concluded, and Kiptum’s body was moved to his home for burial rites. During the service, President Ruto reinstated the Sports Funds and directed CS Namwamba to review the reward system to establish a pension scheme for all athletes. He also pledged to provide Kiptum’s family with a better house under the Affordable Housing Programme and assured to assist Kiptum’s wife in securing a job.
Many notable figures paid tribute to Kiptum, including Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, who expressed hope that Kiptum’s children would carry on his legacy. Sports CS Ababu Namwamba reassured the mourners that the government would fulfill its promises to the athlete’s family. Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich proposed the establishment of a department within the Sports Ministry to employ retired athletes as coaches.
Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen advocated for athletes to be absorbed into government parastatals, emphasizing that their sporting achievements should be recognized and rewarded. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe reiterated that Kiptum’s accomplishments would forever be cherished and remembered in history. Various leaders and dignitaries vowed to support athletes in different aspects, such as education, infrastructure, and job opportunities.
The funeral service also witnessed emotional moments as Kiptum’s family, including his wife Asenath Rotich and children Caleb and Precious, paid tribute to him. Athletes knelt to receive prayers against accidents, while Kiptum’s mother broke down during a hymn in honor of her son. The priest also offered prayers for the well-being of all athletes present.
President Ruto, along with other dignitaries, arrived at Chepkorio Showgrounds earlier in the day, where Kiptum’s body was brought for the funeral service. The community gathered to pay their final respects to the late athlete, highlighting his remarkable achievements and promising future in the athletics industry. Despite his untimely death, Kiptum’s legacy continues to inspire many, and he will be laid to rest in Naiberi, Eldoret, where the government has constructed a new home for his family.
The funeral service drew to a close with a sense of grief and remembrance for Kelvin Kiptum, a talented athlete whose contributions will forever be cherished. As the nation mourns his loss, his spirit and achievements serve as a lasting tribute to his remarkable journey in the world of athletics.
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