Ruto Sends Experts to Build Kelvin Kiptum's Family a 3-Bedroom House in 7 Days

President William Ruto addressing a gathering in Meru County on January 27, 2024 (left) and Kelvin Kiptum after breaking the world marathon record time in Chicago in October 2023.
President William Ruto addressing a gathering in Meru County on January 27, 2024 (left) and Kelvin Kiptum after breaking the world marathon record time in Chicago in October 2023.
PCS
World Athletics

President William Ruto, on Thursday, deployed experts to the home of the late World Record holder Kelvin Kiptum with instructions to build him a 3-bedroom house.

Ruto directed the experts to construct the house within seven days before the athlete's burial set for February 24.

The Head of State is expected to oversee the handing over of the house to Kiptum's widow and children before the deceased is laid to rest. 

In effecting the directive, the engineers are expected to begin construction work on Friday following consultations between them and the family of the athlete yesterday.

Sports CS Ababu Namwamba and Kelvin Kiptum's wife Asenath Jeruto at their home on February 13, 2024.
Sports CS Ababu Namwamba and Kelvin Kiptum's wife Asenath Jeruto at their home on February 13, 2024.
Photo
Ministry of Sports

The Thursday discussions centred on whether the house should be constructed at Kiptum's father's home or on land the athlete had bought.

Kiptum's last wish before dying in an accident on Sunday, February 11 was to build a home for his family. According to his wife, Asenath Jeruto, the athlete had already drafted his architectural plans for the dream house which was approved by the county government.

The family was to begin constructing the home later in the year.

'We had very many good plans with my husband. Even in April, I was to go with with to the Rotterdam Marathon. The house was to be done in June and we planned to move out after that.

"He also had plans to open a business for me because I am a stay-at-home mom," she stated.

Notably, Ruto's orders were aligned with the Cabinet pledge to ensure that the athlete, who set a marathon record time of 2:00:35 in Chicago in October 2023, is given a befitting send-off.

Meanwhile, police are continuing with their investigations into the accident that claimed the lives of Kiptum and his Rwandese Coach Gervais Hakizimana amid allegations of foul play.

Among those who were interrogated were three mysterious men who visited Kiptum's family four days before his death and the woman who survived the Sunday, February 11 accident.

Notably, preliminary investigations ruled out any mechanical issues on the car. Detectives, however, stated that the car would be subjected to further analysis to ascertain if it was tampered with.

"The examiner said there was no pre-accident evidence of a mechanical breakdown, which basically means it had good breaks, tyres, lights, everything mechanically okay," Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge stated.

Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum (left) and wreckage of his car involved in an accident.
Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum (left) and wreckage of his car involved in an accident.
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CNN/Lemiso Emmanuel
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