World Marathon Holder 23-year-old Kelvin Kiptum Is dead following a tragic accident along Eldoret-Kaptagat road on Sunday night.
Kenyans received the news of Kiptum’s death around midnight through various online sources before it was confirmed by reliable sources.
At that time Kenyans and the rest of the world were glued to their televisions following the finals of African Cup Of Nations between Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
Many expressed their shock with reports of Kiptum demise dampening the mood of the football night. Kiptum died alongside his coach.
According to a police report the accident occurred about 2300HRS at Kaptagat Forest area along Eldoret -Ravine road .
It is stated that The Chicago Marathon World Record Holder was driving his Toyota Premio carrying two passengers namely Gervais Hakizimana Rwanda male adult aged 37yrs-his coach and Sharon Chepkurui another passenger heading towards Ravine.
Upon reaching the location of the accident, he lost control and veered off-road entering into a ditch on his left side.
He drove in the ditch for about 60metres before hitting a big tree. As a result Kelvin Kiptum and Gervais Hakizimana died on the spot whereas Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei escaped with serious injuries and was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment.
The two bodies were moved to Racecourse Hospital Mortuary in Eldoret awaiting autopsy.
Many Kenyans have however claimed Kiptums death is unusual coming at a time when he was preparing for another Marathon in April.
Here are some of the comments from Kenyans who continue mourning the Champion online.
Kemboi Titus posted, “Hili si Jambo la kawaida, why is it that this happens when Kiptum is making arrangements and preparation for the task ahead of him, is when the same arrangements are made for laying his body on the grave???,. Dear God destroy all the evil pathways that pushed Kiptum into grave and let them find no peace,”
“This made me wake up and pray hard. Life is spiritual, Destiny killers are really roaring to abort the destiny of others .May The blood of Jesus cover us from the arrows fashioned against our lives,” Faith Kemboi posted.
Rop Amoh shared, “A black eye somewhere, someone was never happy in his achievements of breaking the record.
He didn’t either wish him success or even shake hands as a gesture to applaud best wishes of success,”.
He added that ,”World is full of untold stories rest in peace champion. We struggle so much for a life that can end anytime,”
Another Facebook post reads, “We demand thorough investigations into the incident. For not every accident in Kenya is an accident. Who handled the car? Any recent repairs, wheel alignment or tyre replacement,”
He added “We need to know Beyond the depressing headlines, let the sleuths seek and tell the world the truth. Some crimes have no motive but they have beneficiaries,”
