The government will work closely with Kelvin Kiptum's family to ensure he is given a befitting send-off and honoured even in his death.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has revealed that the world’s fastest marathoner, Kelvin Kiptum, will be given a befitting send-off as consultations with the family are underway.
The CS was one of the many people who were left in utter shock by the sudden demise of the young talent and due to that, he promised to support the family and work hand in hand with them until the fallen hero is laid to rest.
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Speaking during a media briefing on Monday morning, Namwamba explained that Kiptum was a national treasure who flew the country’s flag high and he shall therefore be honoured even in his death.
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Namwamba was in the company of Sports PS Peter Tum and Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei during the briefing.
“We shall after this briefing travel to Kaptagat to view his remains and then consult with the family before sharing what we shall have discussed," said Namwamba.
“We wanted to inform the nation that we are consulting the government after informing the President immediately after the sad news broke.
“We shall make an official announcement on how we shall proceed forward with the final respect for this hero."
He added that the 24-year-old was destined for greatness and paid tribute to Kiptum who owned the three fastest times in the list of top 10 fastest marathoners in the world.
Namwamba also comforted his family including his wife and kids and noted that in the past, he has had personal interactions with them.
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“He was destined to rule the marathon for a long time since it is one of those disciplines where athletes have a much longer shelf life," Namwamba said.
“We pay tribute to him for what he has achieved in his short life where he placed our country in the stars. We were equally with his prospects of him taking a shot in a marathon at the Paris Summer Olympics."