Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has claimed that he was set to attend the funeral of world record holder Kelvin Kiptum in Elgeyo Marakwet on Friday, February 23, for one sole reason.
Sonko wanted to seek clarification around reports claiming that Kiptum sired a son with one Edna Awuor who had earlier sought to block the athlete's funeral.
However, the politician-turned-philanthropist missed the burial as his flight was delayed. He thus could not seek justice for Awuor at the event graced by President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathu Gachagua, government officials and other dignitaries including World Athletics boss Sebastian Coe.
"I missed the burial because my flight was delayed. Otherwise, I could have sought justice for this lady in front of the president," Sonko alleged.
He, nonetheless, vowed to sponsor and support Awuor who wants Kiptum's family compelled to support her child.
"She deserves justice and recognition from the athlete's family," Sonko stated while sharing photos of the woman and her child on her X page.
Comparing it to the late Kibra Member of Parliament Ken Okoth's case, Sonko reiterated that he will ensure Awuor's son benefits from the houses and money that the government gifted Kiptum's family once the DNA results are released.
"In light of my previous advocacy, for the late Kibra MP Ken Okoth's wife to undergo a DNA test and subsequently be recognised by the family alongside her child, I am equally committed to advocating for justice and recognition for the baby mama of our fallen hero Kelvin Kiptumm" Sonko stated.
The former governor created a scene at the burial of Ken Okoth on August 1, 2019, urging the late MP's wife Monica Okoth and secret lover Ann Thumbi to live in harmony.
"Every individual's rights and dignity must be upheld, and I am dedicated to seeing that principle realised in this case" Sonko clarified.
The 24-year-old Kelvin Kiptum was laid to rest at his Elgeyo-Marakwet home on February 23 after he passed away in a road accident along the Eldoret-Kaptagat Road.
He left behind a widow, Asenath Jeruto, and two children, a boy and a girl. President Ruto constructed the widow a Ksh7 million house and promised her another one under the affordable housing project and a job too.
The Ministry of Sports also gave the family Ksh5 million while Kiptum's sports agency pledged to release all his funds and sponsor the education of his children.
Following Kiptum's death, Edna Awuor moved to court to bar the funeral from proceeding, while also seeking recognition. However, the court threw out her petition and ordered the state event to proceed as scheduled.
