Asenath Jeruto, the wife of World Record marathon holder Kelvin Kiptum, shared that they were scheduled to exchange vows in church this April before tragically losing her beloved partner.
Jeruto disclosed their plans in a poignant tribute at the funeral service of the athlete in Elgeyo Marakwet on Friday, February 23.
The duo, who were married in 2017 in a traditional wedding, were yet to officiate their union in church.
Nonetheless, she vowed that she would continue with the wedding and make her vows on the scheduled day in honour of the athlete.
"We were planning for a big day to tie our knots in a colourful wedding ceremony in April 2024 but God's plans are greater. I will still make my vows even in your rest. You were the best husband and father of my children. Dance with the angels, bye," she stated.
Reflecting on Kiptum's passing, she described his death as a big loss for her and their two children. Jeruto added that the thought of living without the athlete broke her heart.
Nonetheless, she emphasised her commitment to taking care of their two children in his honour.
"My dear love, I cannot learn how to say goodbye to you. With weak fingers and pain in my heart, it is unbelievable that today I have learnt to stay with our beloved kids without you coming home again. I mourn my love. I have cried until no more. I miss you and you are the love of my life until we meet again.
"I promise to gather my strength for the sake of our children. Your help in the spirit world will inspire me to stand as a pillar for our children. I promise to make them smile in your honour. I will make you happy all the time," Jeruto penned.
On their part, Kiptum's children, in a written tribute, eulogised their father as a hero, adding that their lives would never be the same again.
"We still cannot believe that you have left us. We will always remember you and love you. Life will never be the same without you," Kiptum's children expressed.
Following Jeruto's tribute, local leaders led by the area Member of Parliament Gideon Kimaiyo called on President William Ruto and the county government to support Kiptum's family and give the widow a job.
Meanwhile, Ruto is set to hand over a three-bedroom house to the Kiptum's wife later today.
Kiptum died in a road accident alongside his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana on February 11 along the Eldoret-Kaptagat Road.
