World Men’s Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum has been inducted into the Ministry of Sports Hall Fame.
Kiptum who died on the night of the African Cup of Nations finals through a road crash on the Eldoret-Ravine road, has been honored by the state once again for his exploits in the international arena through athletics. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with a meridianbet.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba led the ceremony at his Talanta Plaza office in Nairobi, an event engulfed with mixed emotions.
Although it was intended to celebrate the induction of one of the world’s most successful sporting personalities, the pain of losing the youngster was evident in all the speakers.
The Ministry of Sports which has been at the frontline since the demise of the road racing star promised to support the families of Kiptum and that of his coach Gervais Hakizimana with Sh 10m.
“It was a terrible loss of a great Kenyan who brought so much honor to our nation and whom we lost at his prime both as a youth and as an athlete. This ceremony is so special because Kiptum becomes the first of our legends to be formally inducted into this Hall of Fame. From now on, this portrait will stand here as a permanent heritage for his incredible contributions,” Ababu said as he conducted the ceremony.
The event was attended by Kiptum’s family including the widow Asseneth Chelimo and her two kids. Kiptum’s father and mother Samson Cheruiyot and Mary Kangongo attended as well.
The widow of Rwandese coach Hakizimana Joan Chelimo was one of the attendees.
Almost one after Kiptum’s burial, the anguish of losing a son was evident on the face of his dad when he stepped on the podium to give his remarks. Cheruiyot still reads mischief like the demise of the global icon.
“I would like to thank our President William Ruto and the CS for Sports Ababu Namwamba; for sure as a family we have felt their support. It is still painful in my family and the kids of my son, what can we say now, it is God’s plan. However, someone who was involved in this to see the death of my son then I just leave that to God. I am a parent to say this because of the pain we feel, if it was just a normal accident then I will accept but if there is somebody’s hand in this crush then for sure our God will repay us.” Cheruiyot said.
Other dignitaries who were present to witness the induction include National Assembly Sports Committee members,Teso South MP Mary Emaase and Busia County Women Representative Catherine Omanyo and Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo. Others were Kenyan athletics legends Billy Konchellah, Stephen Ole Marai, William Tanui, and Rose Tata Muya and ministry officials.
At the time of his death, Kiptum had hit international headlines by smashing the world marathon record after superbly clocking 2:00:35 in the streets of Chicago last year.
