Kelvin Kiptum's family appeal for financial help from Kenyans
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 14.11.24. | 20:21
Kiptum became the first athlete to run under 2:01 in a record-eligible marathon, shaving 34 seconds off the world record at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Kelvin Kiptum’s parents have publicly lamented the extreme hardships they have faced since the tragic passing of their son, the departed World Marathon record holder.
In a widely circulated video on social media, Kiptum's family has appealed to Kenyans for help in overcoming the severe challenges they are currently enduring.
Kiptum, aged 24, passed away on February 11, 2024, after succumbing to injuries from a road accident, abruptly ending a promising athletic career.
Tragically, he died alongside his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
Months after Kiptum’s death, his parents revealed their economic struggles and voiced frustration over unmet promises from the government.
"We’re compelled to reach out for help from Kenyans due to our current situation,” Kiptum’s father explained.
“We have tried repeatedly to ask for assistance on social media, but certain obstacles have blocked our efforts.”
Kiptum’s father expressed his dismay at being hindered from seeking support. “I wondered why we were being stopped. If things are this difficult, why should we be silenced?”
“When our son passed away, we never imagined we’d face such hardships,” he reflected.
Kiptum’s father has outlined three pressing needs he hopes Kenyans and his son’s friends can help address.
“We don’t have a toilet in our compound. When visitors come, we don’t know where to direct them. My maize is nearly ready for harvest, and I have no storage for it.
We also spend a lot on water, which we bring in by hiring tractors. We need help with these.”
Kiptum’s father further alleged that powerful individuals have hindered their attempts to seek aid and pressured them to stay silent.
“We’re truly suffering, yet when we try to speak out, influential people silence us,” he stated.
Kiptum’s mother shared that he was their only child, and his death has left them financially devastated, as they depended on him.
Kelvin’s accident, which also claimed his coach Gervais Hakizimana, occurred along the Eldoret-Kaptagat road on February 11, 2024.
His passing came only days after World Athletics ratified his record-breaking marathon time of 2:00:35, achieved in Chicago in 2023.
Kiptum became the first athlete to run under 2:01 in a record-eligible marathon, shaving 34 seconds off the world record at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday 8 October.
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