Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said there is a need for the country to remain peaceful with a steady economic growth trajectory for the youth to achieve their dreams in sports and arts.
The CS said that the government will continue to provide a stable and secure environment for the youth to explore their talents, showcasing them and scaling the global terrain.
"I recognise and appreciate President William Ruto’s government for continuously championing peace, security and stability that anchors the opportunities that bound amongst Kenyans," he said.
He spoke in Chepkoria, Elgeyo Marakwet county where he joined Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, sporting dignitaries and mourners at the funeral service for the late world record marathon holder Kelvin Kiptum.
Mudavadi eulogised Kiptum as a young upcoming marathoner whose star had started shining but which had been abruptly shattered.
He said many young athletes had already started emulating Kiptum and hoped that one day they would also rise to the global athletic stage.
"I condole with the family of Kelvin Kiptum, a flame that has been blown out by an unfortunate accident just a few days ago," he said.
"It is a difficult moment for the family, the people of Chepkoria and Elgeyo Marakwet County and the entire athletics fraternity, but what we would wish and pray is that one day the record that Kiptum was planning to break, will be broken by his children Precious and Caleb."
Mudavadi said, Kiptum had already made an indelible mark in the athletics field and his win at the Chicago Marathon in October 2023 was a sign that he was rising to a meteoric global fame.
Kiptum died aged 24, and he left behind a widow Asenath Rotich and two children Precious and Caleb.
President Ruto described Kiptum as an ambitious and resilient person.
The President said that despite him coming from a humble background, Kiptum never let his guard down.
Ruto said that through his hard work, Kiptum broke the World Record.
"Today's World Record has Kiptum's name and it is because he was selfless and had no reasons not to succeed than he had to succeed but he worked against the odds.
"He could have said I come from a village that is not very well known or I come from a family that cannot cater for me or that I don't have running shoes. You heard him that he ran barefoot in his earlier days."
