Cabinet pays tribute to star marathoner Kelvin Kiptum, coach Hakizimana

The Kenyan Cabinet on Wednesday paid tribute to record-holding marathoner Kelvin Kiptum, and his coach Garvais Hakizimana, who both died in a road accident on the night of February 11, 2024.

A Cabinet meeting took place at the State House in Nairobi to discuss bills, policies, treaties, conventions, and agreements that will drive programmes and projects under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

"Kiptum was a sporting powerhouse whose record-shattering achievements inspired millions around the world. He remains the only human in history to run a marathon under two hours and 1

minute. With his 2:00.35 time, he set a new world record in Chicago on October 8, 2023," a statement noted.

"This historic feat earned him due recognition from the government, including the conferment of a national honour and award - the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW)."

The government said that to honour the "true national hero" it will support his family in giving him a befitting heroic farewell.

The Cabinet further acknowledged the Sports ministry's interventions to better protect the country’s sporting icons and urged all road users to uphold traffic laws and practice safe road use.

President William Ruto and members of his Cabinet are pictured on February 14, 2024, before the start of their meeting. (Photo: State House Kenya)

MPs' minute of silence

On Tuesday, parliamentarians observed a minute's silence in honour of Kiptum and appealed for better support and protection for the country's sporting talent.

His death at the age of just 24 shocked Kenya and the world of athletics, with his compatriot, the marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, leading tributes to the "rising star".

In Nairobi, members of Parliament bowed their heads for a minute of silence for the man who rose from humble beginnings as a goat herder to record three of the seven fastest marathon times in history.

He was a favourite for marathon gold at the Paris Olympics later this year, where he was due to face off against Kipchoge for the first time after slashing 34 seconds off his older rival's world record in Chicago in October.

"At the young age of 24 years, Mr Kiptum had achieved what many athletes could only dream of," said Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representaitve Caroline Jeptoo. "He was a beacon of hope not only to people of his village but also to the many in the country and beyond."

'Actions must be taken'

Several lawmakers called for a full investigation into the crash and for better protection of the nation's athletes.

Police said Kiptum was driving from Kaptagat to Eldoret around 11 pm when the accident occurred. A police report said the father of two had lost control of the car and veered into a ditch before hitting a tree. Kiptum and Hakizimana were killed on the spot while a woman passenger was injured.

Local police official Abdullahi Dahir told Citizen TV on Tuesday that police would record witness statements as part of an inquiry into the accident.

Kiptum's death is the latest in a saga of tragedies to hit Kenyan sports stars.

"As we mourn, some actions must be taken by the ministry of sports... they must take our athletes seriously," said Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo. "Some of the athletes are young with promising careers but they are left on their own."

His call was echoed by opposition Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor.

"There should be a thorough investigation into what caused the accident," he said. "Our athletes should be treated as VIPs and be given security."

Other deaths

In 2011, Kenyan marathon great Samuel Wanjiru died also at the age of 24 in a mysterious incident at his home after capturing the title at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

In 2021, distance running star Agnes Tirop was found stabbed to death at the age of 25 at her house in Iten, near Eldoret. Her husband Ibrahim Rotich went on trial for her murder in November last year.

Athletics Kenya officials met with Kiptum's family on Tuesday to start making preparations for his burial, AK executive committee member Barnabas Korir told AFP. Korir said the funeral will be held on February 24.

"We have settled on February 24 following consultations with the family and the government which have taken over all the funeral arrangements and protocol," he said.

"We expect some high dignitaries to attend the burial including the President, William Ruto, and the head of World Athletics, Seb Coe."

Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba said Monday that the government would take charge of all funeral arrangements, in consultation with the family, although no date has yet been set.

"He was a jovial, loving man who loved his family more so, his children," Kiptum's widow Asaneth told reporters as mourners gathered at the family home on Monday.

Kiptum's comrades could not hide their emotions at a training session in the high-altitude training hub of Eldoret on Tuesday, vowing to uphold his legacy.

Rosemary Wanjiru, winner of the Tokyo marathon last year, said she was determined to "improve my time, personal best and also to defend my title".

"We will honour him in the races we are going to compete in by being among the top and retaining the medals," added distance runner Antonina Kwambai.

World 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo said the government should give Kiptum a state send-off.

"He is just a very special person in Kenya."

Story by The Eastleigh Voice and AFP