In the city of Eldoret, Kenya, a solemn atmosphere prevailed on Thursday as the casket of world marathon champion Kelvin Kiptum was placed into a vehicle at the hospital mortuary.
The 24-year-old athlete and his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, lost their lives on February 11 in a car accident that occurred when their vehicle collided with a tree.
Family members, fellow athletes, and friends gathered at the hospital, marking the beginning of a procession escorting Kiptum back to his home.
The city’s residents turned out in large numbers to pay their respects to the running star, with the cortege traversing the city before heading to Iten for public viewing.
Subsequently, the procession is set to proceed to Kiptum’s parents’ home in Chepsamo village, where a night vigil is planned before the primary funeral ceremony on Friday.
President William Ruto and international dignitaries are anticipated to attend the service, after which Kiptum will be laid to rest at his farm in Naiberi.
On a tragic note, a government pathologist disclosed on Wednesday that the athlete succumbed to severe head injuries sustained in the crash. His untimely demise occurred just months after he achieved a men’s world record of 2 hours and 35 seconds in the Chicago Marathon.
