The world is mourning the demise of the Award-winning World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his Rwandan coach Garvais Hakizimana who have passed away in a road accident at Kaptagat on the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road.
According to the county commander, Kiptum reportedly lost control of the car they were driving before hitting a tree and landing in a ditch.
“This was a self-involved accident where one Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, was driving his vehicle with two passengers. Kiptum and Hakizimana died on the spot, and the third person was rushed to Racecourse Hospital, Eldoret,” the county commander said.
Kiptum, whose marathon record of two hours and 35 seconds was ratified just last week by the World Athletics, was positioning himself to run under two hours at the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14 this year.
He was also expected to represent Kenya at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Following the untimely demise of the world marathon record holder, Kenyans from all walks of life have taken to social media to mourn the athlete.
Raila Odinga: Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, a world record holder and Kenyan athletics icon. Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight.
My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletic fraternity. Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.
CS Ababu Namwamba: Devastatingly sickening!! Kenya has lost a special gem. Lost for words.