- The ceremony aims to offer solace to his grieving family and friends while fostering a sense of community support during this difficult time.
- It will also include speeches and reflections on Kiptum's remarkable contributions to the sporting world.
Image: COURTESY
A candle lighting ceremony is set to take place today evening at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) to honour World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.
The one-hour event, organized by Zero Barefoot Campaign and Environment (ZBCE) will start at 7 pm.
During the solemn ceremony, friends and the public at large will gather to celebrate and pay their last respects to Kiptum's life and achievements.
The event will also include speeches and reflections on Kiptum's remarkable contributions to the sporting world.
“Today in the evening, we invite you at KICC to light candles in memory of Kelvin Kiptum…from 7:30 to 8:30 pm,” reads a short notice from the management.
ZBCE is a non-governmental organisation that aims at achieving Zero barefoot in all primary schools in the Republic of Kenya by the year 2030.
It is patronised by President William Ruto’s daughter Charlene Ruto.
The ceremony aims to offer solace to his grieving family and friends while fostering a sense of community support during this difficult time.
Kiptum who tragically lost his life in a road accident on February 11 will be laid to rest Friday.
President William Ruto is among the leaders who will attend the burial service in Elgeiyo Marakwet.
Candle lighting during death serves as a collective gesture to commemorate the spirit and legacy of the deceased.
It inspires reflection and tribute.
On Wednesday night, hundreds of residents of Eldoret and athletes turned up for a procession and candle lighting in honour of the fallen athlete.
They staged the procession from the Eldoret Arboretum to the Nandi Park where the candle lighting was done.
It follows yet a similar event held in Iten and Kapsabet towns on Tuesday.
Athletes and local leaders held 10km processions.
Athletes present mourned their colleague as a hero with a great vision, especially for upcoming runners.
Kiptum's body was on Thursday morning removed from Eldoret Hospital morgue.
He died alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana in a road accident along Eldoret-Kaptagat road on February 11.
The 24-year-old's death in a road accident nearly two weeks ago on his way home has devastated the farming community in Chepsamo village.
"He was always joking - we spoke on the night of his death and he was joking about the Africa Cup of Nations final," his mother Mary Kangongo told the BBC.
The body was to be escorted by a procession for about 80 km through Eldoret town to Iten grounds then to ACK-Chepkorio for a prayer service.