Following a car accident on Sunday, February 11, 2024, World Marathon Record holder Kelvin Kiptum passed away from his injuries. The world is in grief.
One of Samson Cheruiyot's only children, the budding talent put Kenya on the map in October 2023 when he completed a marathon in 2:00:35.
Horrified by his son's passing and the children he left behind, Cheruiyot has requested that the Kenyan government look into the marathoner's death.
"While watching the news, I learned of my son's passing. Cheruiyot recounts, "I went to the accident scene, but the body had been taken to Eldoret by the police."
In an interview with Citizen TV, Kiptum's father stated that during their most recent conversation on Saturday, the marathoner promised him more medals and a brighter future.
He promised to send someone to assist us in building a home. Recalling his most recent talk with his lone son, Cheruiyot said, "He said that his body is now fit and he can now run for 1:59."
My only child, Tippum. He left his children, his mother, and me. I am not the parent of any other child. For a time, his mother was unwell. I am so depressed right now."In addition to demanding an investigation into the incident, Cheruiyot claimed that unidentified individuals had lately stopped by his property in an attempt to find Kiptum."A few months ago, several folks returned home in search of Kiptum, but they wouldn't give their identities.They choose to leave when I asked for identification from them. The marathoner's children were being taught by a group of four individuals, he added, urging the government to step in and help. Along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine Road in the Kaptagat district of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kiptum, 24, and his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana passed away on Sunday night at approximately 11 p.m.