President Ruto leads Cabinet in honou**ng Kiptum with one-minute silence
The Kenyan Cabinet honoured late marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum with a one-minute silence during a meeting held at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, February 14.
The meeting chaired by President William Ruto also honoured Kiptum's coach, Gervais Hakizimana, whose life was cut short in a tragic accident at Kaptagat area along Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road on Sunday night.
The tragic news of the 24-year-old rising star's death sent shockwaves around the athletics world with tributes pouring in from across the globe.
The Head of State chaired the meeting after jetting into the country from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he attended World Governments Summit 2024.
In his tribute on Monday, President Ruto hailed Kiptum as a shining star and one of the world’s finest sportsmen with remarkable mental strength.
Ruto expressed condolences to Kiptum's family and the sporting fraternity, acknowledging the indelible mark the 24-year-old had left on the global stage.
"Kelvin Kiptum was a star. Arguably one of the world’s finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record. He was only 24 yet, as a hero, triumphed in Valencia, Chicago, London and in other top competitions.
"His mental strength and discipline were unmatched. Kiptum was our future. An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark on the globe. Our thoughts are with the family and the sporting fraternity. Rest In Peace," President Ruto said in his heartfelt message to Kiptum's young family.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed his deep shock at the sudden death of the rising youngster.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. On behalf of all World Athletics we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation.
"It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time. An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly," Coe said in a statement.
Kiptum was the first man to run the marathon in under 2 hours, 1 minute in an official race when he set the world record of 2:00.35 in Chicago in October last year, beating the mark of legendary Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge, who is the reigning two-time Olympic champion.
Before meeting his death Kiptum's aspirations were high, as he was preparing for the Rotterdam Marathon in April this year, aiming to break the two-hour barrier for the marathon on a record-eligible course. Meanwhile, Kipchoge was gearing up for the Tokyo Marathon.
