Funeral held for world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum

Kenya bid farewell to Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, with a state funeral on Friday, following his tragic demise in a car accident earlier this month. Amidst the mourning, voices across Kenya clamored for enhanced protection for the nation's esteemed athletes.

Dignitaries, including Kenyan President William Ruto and Sebastian Coe of World Athletics, gathered alongside family, friends, and admirers of Kiptum to honor his memory as he was laid to rest in Naiberi, near his hometown of Chepkorio in western Kenya.

The 24-year-old prodigy, along with his coach Gervais Hakizimana, perished in the accident near Kaptagat, a hub for elite distance runners, where Kiptum honed his skills.

Kiptum's untimely demise struck a chord in Kenya, a nation where athletes command profound reverence. His ambition to transcend the two-hour marathon mark and compete in the Olympics underscored his boundless potential.

Tragically, his promising journey was cut short on the night of Feb. 11 when his vehicle swerved off the road, claiming his life and that of his coach. Another passenger, Sharon Kosgei, sustained injuries in the crash.

Survived by his wife Asentah Cheruto and their children, Kiptum's legacy as a marathon debutant in Valencia 2022 and subsequent victories in London and Chicago endeared him to the world. His relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in a world record in Chicago, a feat etched in sporting history.

Yet, Kiptum's fate adds to a sad narrative of Kenyan athletes lost prematurely. David Lelei, Francis Kiplagat, and Nicholas Bett, among others, met similar tragic ends, raising poignant questions about athlete safety.

The recurring tragedies prompted calls for decisive action from the government. Advocates urged comprehensive measures to safeguard athletes' well-being, including provisions for security, transportation, and mentorship.

Elizabeth Wairimu, a resident of Nakuru, voiced dismay over the recurring fatalities among athletes, urging authorities to address the root causes. She lamented the posthumous rush to honor athletes, highlighting the need for proactive support.

Jimmy Muindi and Isaac Macharia emphasized the importance of nurturing emerging talents and providing holistic support systems to navigate newfound fame.

In response, Jack Tuwei of Athletics Kenya appealed to President Ruto and lawmakers to devise sustainable solutions for athlete welfare. In a promising move, Ruto announced plans for an endowment fund and pledged support for Kiptum's family, acknowledging the debt owed to the nation's sporting heroes.