Deputy President William Ruto on Friday, July 31, gave out Ksh1 million to the family of the late Ben Jipcho, who succumbed to cancer on July 24, 2020.
Attending the burial, Ruto acknowledged that Jipcho was a legend and a distinguished champion who placed Kenya on the global map as one of the country's pioneer athletes.
"Ben Jipcho was a teacher, a member of the disciplined forces, and an internationally decorated marathoner. It is very rare to get such a selfless person," the DP Ruto stated.
The DP also advised Kenyans not to dwell on the 2022 politics but rather on the fight on coronavirus.
"Time to let off gloves will come at the right time but for now let's work on delivery of services," he added.
Other leaders present during the burial included; Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka,Members of Parliament Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini), Robert Pukose (Endebes), Fred Kapondi (Mt.Elgon) and Oscar Sudi (Kapseret).
Lusaka asked other athletes to emulate the fallen star who had put the country on the map.
On his part, Wamalwa requested the government to assist the family of the deceased who were undergoing problems.
During the ceremony,retired athlete Rose Tata, tore into the government for neglecting athletes and noted that she had been involved in efforts to help several legendary sportsmen who had either fallen into poverty or illness, including former prolific footballers Peter Dawo and the late Joe Kadenge in addition to the now departed Jipcho.
She demanded that the government honor its sports heroes by implementing a comprehensive medical insurance cover, declaring that she was done helping sportsmen and women on their deathbeds.
"Speaker Lusaka, you're here. Those in Parliament, when you want to increase your salaries you do it in one day, you can even do it at night.
"As athletes we want the Heroes and Heroines Council to be implemented for us to be given medical cover. Will we always be helping people when they're heading to the grave? Is the government poor? We carried this flag and brought medals to this country," she stated.
