The family of the late athlete Kelvin Kiptum, who passed away last Sunday, is being provided with a new three-bedroom house within seven days before his scheduled burial on February 24, 2024. This follows an order from President William Ruto, who directed the completion of the house before the burial of the world marathon record holder.
It has been revealed that special envoys visited Kiptum’s family to convey a message from the Head of State, confirming President Ruto’s attendance at the funeral.
All preparations are in place, with an engineering team ready to commence construction pending communication from Kiptum’s family regarding the location of the new house.
There are three potential resting places for the athlete who broke the world long-distance running record: either at his father’s homestead or on one of the two parcels of land he had purchased in Kaptagat, Uasin Gishu County.
“I want to be there; I want to be inside that house before Kiptum receives his final honor as the hero he is,” said President Ruto.
Kiptum is survived by his widow, Asenath Cheruto, and the couple has been blessed with two children.
“Does this mean our esteemed champion did not have a dignified home, or is it the President’s decision to build a new house as a personal gift to Kiptum’s family?” questioned a Nairobi-based vendor known as Elvis.
The athlete, scheduled to compete against long-distance running star Eliud Kipchoge, died instantly alongside his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana. A woman who was in the car with them narrowly escaped death.
