The police in Elgeyo Marakwet have officially confirmed the death of marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum was a result of a traffic accident.
The circumstances surrounding his death have raised questions, prompting authorities to investigate the incident that occurred on Sunday night.
Upon reviewing the accident scene and examining the Toyota Premio vehicle involved, which was subsequently towed to Kaptagat Police Station, investigators found that the front part of the vehicle remained intact, and the airbags did not deploy during the collision.
Keiyo South OCPD Abdullahi Dahir said the police are looking into claims that four un-identified individuals had been tailing Kelvin Kiptum in the days leading up to his untimely death.
Sharon Kosgey, who survived the fatal accident unscathed, is also expected to aid police recreate events leading up to the death of the athlete and his coach.
Kenyan lawmakers observed a minute’s silence on Tuesday in honor of marathon star Kelvin Kiptum after his death in a late-night car crash and appealed for better support protection for the country’s sporting talent.
Several lawmakers called for a full investigation into the crash and for better protection of the nation’s athletes.
Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo said: “As we mourn the death of Kelvin, some actions must be taken by the Ministry of Sports. Wanjiru died at 24…the lady killed in Iten…we call on the sports ministry to take our athletes seriously.”
His Lang’ata counterpart Felix Odiwuor said: “Having listened to the father, we call for a thorough research…we call on the athletes to be treated as VIPs…they represent the country.”
Kelvin Kiptum will be buried on the 24th of February 2024
The 24-year-old runner will be laid to rest in his hometown of Chepkorio in north-west Kenya.
Kiptum was killed along with his coach Gervais Hakizimana in a road accident on Sunday night.
Kenya’s sport ministry is expected to take charge of the burial in consultation with the family.