NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum was given a state funeral on Friday after his death in a car accident earlier this month, as many Kenyans called on the government to This was because they called for more efforts to be made to protect famous athletes.
Hundreds of dignitaries, from Kenyan President William Ruto to World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, joined Kiptum’s family, friends and fans to pay their final respects to Kiptum, who was buried in Nyiberi, about six kilometers from his hometown of Chepkorio. expressed his intentions. Located in western Kenya.
Gervais Hakizimana, a 24-year-old runner and Rwandan coach, died in a crash two weeks ago near the town of Kaptagat in western Kenya, in the heart of a highland region known as a training base for the best athletes. It attracts long-distance runners from Kenya and all over the world.
Kiptum is one of the most exciting prospects to emerge in road running in recent years, breaking the world record in just his third time competing in an elite marathon. His record of 2 hours and 35 seconds at the Chicago Marathon last October was recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations World Athletics just days before his death.
Kiptum had hoped to break the two-hour marathon limit in Rotterdam in April and make his Olympic debut in Paris this year.
His death echoed throughout Kenya. Runners are Kenya’s biggest sports stars and sadly many are no strangers to tragedies involving top athletes. Several people have died from traffic accidents and domestic violence.
According to authorities, Kiptam was driving on the night of February 11 when his car veered off the road, fell into a ditch and hit a large tree. He and Hakijimana died instantly. Another passenger, Sharon Kosgei, was injured in the crash.
Kiptum is an only child and leaves behind his wife Asenta Certo and two children. The High Court on Thursday refused to postpone the funeral pending the woman’s legal claim that Kiptam fathered her child.
Kiptam recorded the fastest time as a marathon debutant at the 2022 Valencia Marathon. The following year, he won the London and Chicago races, two of the world’s most prestigious marathon events. He set a new course record at the London Marathon last April, and a few months later set a world record in Chicago.
He became the latest Kenyan star to die under tragic circumstances.
All-African Games silver medalist David Lelei died in a car accident in 2010. Marathon runner Francis Kiplagat was among the five people killed in the 2018 accident. Nicholas Bett won gold in the 400m hurdles at the 2015 World Championships, but died in a car accident in 2018.
Many Kenyans said they believed authorities should take further steps to protect the athletes who brought the country international prominence, including providing security, drivers and advisors.
Elizabeth Wairimu, a vegetable vendor in the western Kenyan town of Nakuru, said it was shocking that so many athletes had died in road accidents.
“I ask myself, what is the problem for our athletes?” she said. “The government should look into this…look into what is killing our athletes.” Where are we heading? ”
She said it was unfortunate that the government was rushing to build a house for Kiptam, who had promised her parents a new house.
Ms Wairimu’s opinion was echoed by others in the busy market.
“The government should not wait until the legends die, but should hurry up and take care of their welfare,” said George Tuo, a merchant at the market.
Jimmy Muindi of Kenya, a six-time Honolulu Marathon winner, said young athletes who reach Kiptum’s level need support to maintain their newfound celebrity status. Former marathon runner Isaac McAleer agreed, saying that developing star athletes requires a support system.
Kenya’s head of athletics, Jack Twei, has urged President Ruto and members of parliament to come up with a solution that will ensure the welfare of athletes and “enable them to have everything they need safely”. I asked.
Mr Ruto said an endowment fund would be set up for the athlete and Mr Kiptum’s widow would be given another home and $34,000 in support from the government.
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