Senator Samson Cherargei of Nandi has urged the government to name a road, stadium, or building in honor of the late Kelvin Kiptum.
According to Cherargei, the honor will be given for his world record and his involvement in athletics. The senator suggested renaming Elgeyo Marakwet's Kamariny Stadium in honor of Kiptum.
"We are proposing that Kamariny Stadium from where he comes from in Elgeyo Marakwet be named after him," he said.
On Thursday night at KICC, during a candle-lighting ceremony for the late Kiptum, Cherargei also expressed gratitude to the government for arranging a state funeral for Kiptum.
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"The state burial is an honour to him and many of us who were his fans, lawmakers and many of friends across the world and Kenya," he said.
"We are aware the government continues to support his family, the government constructed a house for Kiptum's widow and is in the process of building another house for his parents."
In addition, Cherargei challenged Kenyan athletes to smash records at the upcoming competition, which will take place in Paris shortly, in honor of Kiptum.
According to him, most people who think that sports can be a viable source of income for many young people also mourned Kiptum's passing.
According to the lawmaker, most thought Kiptum would continue to rule the marathon world for ten years. Cherargei said that losing another athlete from his hometown had greatly affected the athletic community.
RIP Champ#KelvinKiptum pic.twitter.com/YMeOdHHPqF
— Johnson Muthama (@nduyamuthama) February 12, 2024
"Even where I come from we have also lost another legend called Rono, who within 11 days was able to break three world records and died at the age of 72," he stated.
Cherargei pleaded with lawmakers to honor athletes, sportsmen, and sportswomen by celebrating them more appropriately.
"We want to ensure that any person who is in sports gets value for what they are doing in this country," he stated.
The moment Kelvin Kiptum prayed at London marathon before dropping all the competitors and accelerate all the way to finish line 2:01:25#moseskuria #kelvinkiptum #azimiomps #ecitizen #jkia #kalenjin #nancyndegwa #nhif #babuowino #allianxe #affordablehousing pic.twitter.com/fpmNwfty1C
— Ole Shangai (@shangai_ole) February 21, 2024
"We need to see how we can partner with brand Kenya so that when our athletes, footballers, rugby players, volleyballers, basketballers, tennis players and many others play across the country they can be given tax relief as they continue to fly our flag up."
Kiptum will rest at his farm in Uasin Gishu County, close to Naiberi.
President Ruto is anticipated to attend with other dignitaries and sports coaches.
