Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-16 13:04:44
The family of world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum has dispatched engineers to construct a three-bedroom house on a four-acre farm in Naiberi, Uasin Gishu County, where he had planned to build his final resting place. The house needs to be completed before his burial. The directive for this construction came from President William Ruto, according to the family spokesman, Philip Kiplagat.
Kiptum’s body will be laid to rest at the farm, which is situated not far from Kaptagat, where he had purchased a parcel of land with plans to relocate his family. After leaving the Eldoret Hospital Mortuary for his home in Chepsamo village in Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kiptum’s body will be transported to Chepsamo Primary School for a requiem mass before being buried at the Naiberi farm next Friday.
Kiptum tragically lost his life in an accident on Sunday night, alongside his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana. The vehicle he was driving veered off the Eldama Ravine-Eldoret Road in Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet County, hitting a tree 60 meters from the road. Sharon Kosgei, the third person in the car, survived the accident and was treated and discharged with minor injuries.
In a message of condolence to the family, President Ruto praised Kiptum as one of the world’s finest sportsmen who broke barriers. He highlighted Kiptum’s triumphs in Valencia, Chicago, London, and other top competitions, noting his unmatched mental strength and discipline. President Ruto expressed the sentiment that Kiptum was the future and an extraordinary sportsman who left an extraordinary mark on the globe.
The construction of Kiptum’s final resting place is a testament to his legacy as a celebrated athlete and a beloved member of the community. His achievements in the world of marathon running have left an indelible mark, and the completion of his home will be a fitting tribute to his memory.
Throughout his career, Kiptum inspired countless individuals both within and outside the world of sports. His untimely passing has deeply affected his family, friends, and the sporting fraternity. As the construction of his final resting place progresses, the community and the world at large will continue to remember the impact he made and honor his contributions to the world of athletics.
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