Gov't Pathologist Johansen Oduor Reveals What Caused Kelvin Kiptum's Death

Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor has revealed that world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum died due to severe head injuries.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, February 21, Oduor said a postmortem examination of the body of Kiptum showed severe fractures on his head.

The Government pathologist also noted there were fractures on both the left and right ribs.

"Upon doing the postmortem, we found out that the late Kelvin had severe head injuries. There were severe skull fractures which were mainly at the base of the skull. The spinal cord had intruded into the cranial cavity because of the fractures,” said Oduor.

The examination also indicated that Kiptum’s lungs suffered contrition during the accident.

“What killed the late Kevin was severe head injuries which when I look at them they look like something caused by a motor vehicle accident,” Oduor added.

The government pathologist further said he has taken samples for further analysis to determine whether there was anything that could have contributed to Kiptum being involved in a motor accident.

Kiptum died on February 11 together with his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana after being involved in a grisly road accident in the Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine Road.

However, the family of Hazikama rejected the autopsy results that were released on Friday, February 16.

The family claimed that the nature and degree of the injuries in the report were inconsistent with the initial appearance of their kin moments after the tragedy.

Kiptum will be laid to rest on Friday, February 23 in a state burial that will be attended by President William Ruto and other senior government officials.