A woman claiming to have sired a baby with the late athlete Kelvin Kiptum has suffered a setback in her bid to halt the burial.
This is after the High Court in Eldoret declined to grant orders contained in her application.
The 22-year-old had filed an application in Eldoret claiming that the world marathon record holder is her lover and the biological father of her baby girl, now aged one year and seven months.
She sought to stop the burial pending the hearing and determination of the case where she is seeking to be recognised together with her baby as beneficiaries of the marathoner’s estate.
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Through her lawyer, the lady argued that proceeding with the burial would be a violation of the child's rights. She further alleged that she was not involved in the funeral arrangements of the late world record holder, which have been ongoing.
Additionally, the lady wanted the court to allow the family to collect DNA samples to ascertain the child's paternity.
However, the High Court declined her request paving the way for the burial slated for Friday, February 23. The court noted that halting the plans would result in great losses since preparations have been ongoing.
On Thursday morning, a funeral procession began from Eldoret Hospital Mortuary to Iten for a public viewing of the marathoner’s body.
The procession is expected to proceed to Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet County and later to his home in Chepsamo Village.
Kiptum is expected to be buried on Friday at his farm at Naiberi in Uasin Gishu County.
