The burial committee overseeing the final arrangements for marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum has confirmed that his funeral will take place on February 24. The 24-year-old, renowned for his remarkable athletic prowess, will be interred in his hometown of Chepkorio, situated in the north-western region of Kenya.
Tragically, Kelvin Kiptum lost his life in a fatal road accident, which also claimed the life of his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, on Sunday evening.
Kenya’s Ministry of Sports is set to coordinate the funeral proceedings in collaboration with the bereaved family. Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Ababu Namwamba, emphasised Kiptum’s status as a national hero, affirming that he would be accorded the same reverence in death as he enjoyed in life.
The Kenyan Parliament observed a solemn minute of silence in memory of Kiptum on Tuesday, underscoring the profound impact of his untimely demise on the nation.
Authorities have disclosed that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident are underway.
Kelvin Kiptum gained global acclaim following his remarkable feat of breaking the marathon world record in Chicago last year. His extraordinary talent and promising career trajectory have earned him widespread admiration and recognition within the sporting community.
During his brief yet illustrious career spanning a mere 10 months, Kiptum clinched victories in prestigious elite races held in Valencia and London, further solidifying his reputation as an exceptional athlete.
Meanwhile, arrangements for the funeral of Kiptum’s coach, a Rwandan national, are yet to be finalised.