Kelvin Kiptum: Cabinet Observes Moment of Silence in Honour of Celebrated Marathoner

 

The country is slowly picking up the pieces following the tragic death of World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum. Kelvin Kiptum poses after a past race. The 24-year-old athlete died in an accident on Sunday, February 11, along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine Road in Kaptagat. Kiptum's tragic passing came a few days after his remarkable world record at the Chicago Marathon in 2023 was ratified.  Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge said the 24-year-old athlete who was driving and his coach died on impact. "He lost control, veered off the road, entered into a ditch 60 meters away and hit a big tree," Mulinge said. How has Kiptum been honoured Following his passing, the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, February 14, was preceded by a moment of silence. In a statement on X, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the Cabinet made the gesture in honour of the young athlete and his coach. "Cabinet meeting underway at State House Nairobi, with President @williamsruto leading Cabinet secretaries in honouring the late marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, by observing a one-minute silence," he said. The gesture comes a day after the National Assembly, resuming from a two-month recess, did the same. Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba also expressed profound sorrow over Kiptum's passing, describing it as devastatingly sickening. He also promised that the government would honour the marathon world record holder with a fitting send-off after consulting on the burial dates with his family. 

by  Didacus Malowa