Ababu Namwamba, Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, says the government will collaborate closely with Kelvin Kiptum's family to provide the world marathon record holder a hero's farewell.
In a terrible car accident that occurred on Sunday night in Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, he perished.
While addressing the press on Monday at the Talanta Plaza, Namwamba hailed Kiptum as a hero who put Kenya on the world map when he smashed the men's marathon world record with a 2:00:35 run in Chicago in October last year.
"We are consulting in government. We officially informed the president when this tragic accident immediately occurred. As soon as the consultations are concluded, we will formally announce how to proceed with final respect for him.
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"Kiptum is a national hero, and we will honor him in death as we honored him in life," Namwamba said.
Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei and Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum flanked the CS.
Leading a government delegation, Namwamba greeted Kiptum following his historic exploits in Chicago. According to the government's new policy of awarding world record holders KSh5 million, Namwamba gave Kiptum Ksh5 million on October 10, two days after he set the record.
Eliud Kipchoge mourns Marathon World record holder Kelvin Kiptum pic.twitter.com/76T94EogvK
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) February 12, 2024
Kiptum lost control of his Toyota Premio, veering off-road and into a ditch for 60 meters before colliding with a tree, according to a police report. While one passenger, Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei, survived the collision and was discharged from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital on Monday, Kiptum and Hakizimana perished instantly.
Later today, Namwamba is expected to visit Kiptum's residence in Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet county.
