Kiptum's Father Makes Appeal To Gov't, Recalls Receiving Unknown Visitors Before Son's Death

Kelvin Kiptum’s father Samson Cheruiyot has called on the government to investigate the tragic death of his son on Sunday night. 

Speaking on Monday, February 12, Cheruiyot recalled receiving four strange visitors at his home who were looking for Kiptum. 

He noted that the four individuals who purported to be government officials refused to identify themselves.

“When the incident occurred, I wondered what these people who came to my house were investigating regarding my child. They refused to identify themselves I told them to provide documents to show that they were government officials, but they refused,” Cheruiyot stated.

He also disclosed that Kiptum was his only son and left behind a wife and children. 

"Kiptum is my only child, now he has left me with his children. I don't have any other child... now I don't know what to say. If the government has the capability, they should help me because if he were here, we would have benefited a lot,” Kiptum’s father added.

Cheruiyot also revealed that Kiptum chose to quit schooling at the Eldoret National Polythetic to focus on his athletics career.

Kiptum and his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana passed away on Sunday night after a gruesome road accident in the Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine Road.

A lady who was in the car with them survived the accident but sustained serious injuries.

The world record holder died at the age of 24 years. Kiptum’s world record marathon time of 2:00:35 set in the Chicago Marathon in October 2023 was ratified just days ago by World Athletics.

A number of leaders have mourned the death of Kiptum including President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.