Kenyans and the global community will on Friday bid their final farewell to the World Marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, as he is laid to rest in his hometown of Uasin Gishu.
The funeral service is scheduled for Friday at Chepsamo Secondary School grounds, where the attendance of President William Ruto is anticipated.
Kiptum, who tragically lost his life in a car accident on February 11, 2024, along the Eldama Ravine-Eldoret road alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana, sent shockwaves throughout the world and among athletes' families.
According to the post-mortem results conducted by government pathologist Johansen Oduor, the Marathon World Record holder died from severe head trauma sustained during the car crash.
On Thursday, Eldoret town residents honoured Kiptum with a night vigil.
Hundreds of city residents lit candles, while others used their mobile phone torches to remember the marathon hero.
Earlier that day, Kiptum's body was transferred from Eldoret Hospital mortuary, and a cortège procession, accompanied by boda boda riders, covered 80km from Eldoret Town to Iten.
The town marked a significant stage for this final, solemn marathon as Kiptum's body embarked on an 80-kilometre journey through familiar streets.
The hearse, symbolising departure and memory, rolled steadily, flanked by a solemn escort of athletes who had once shared the track and trained alongside Kiptum.
As the hearse traversed the town's roads, a quiet procession unfolded as residents stood at the roadside to bid farewell to their son.
Subsequently, a prayer service was held at ACK Chepkorio.
The Head of State eulogised Kiptum as a star, noting that an extraordinary sportsman who has left an extraordinary mark on the globe.
"Kelvin Kiptum was arguably one of the world’s finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record," he said.
The President noted that just at the age of 24, Kiptum was a hero who triumphed in Valencia, Chicago, London and other top competitions.
Mourning the Kenyan child, Ruto said Kiptum's mental strength and discipline were unmatched, adding that," Kiptum was our future."
