Let’s Mind Our Lifestyles- Ruto’s Speech on Kiptum Death Raises Questions
President William Ruto has recommended that athletes and sports figures embrace secure lifestyles. Additionally, he encourages experienced individuals to guide and mentor young talents to make more positive life decisions.
Addressing the funeral service for the deceased marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum in Elgeyo Marakwet, Ruto suggested that the cause of his death was connected to a particular lifestyle he had strayed from, providing additional clarification.
“We all need to be mindful of our lifestyles so that we can avoid instances like these, where a very promising good Kenyan has lost life,” Ruto advised.
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“We are going to involve the managers, to ensure we mentor young people and young athletes into great sportsmen. The older sportsmen and women should do more in mentoring and guiding the young ones to help be successful.”
He additionally committed to instructing Members of Parliament to pass legislation aimed at enhancing both the sports industry and the welfare of athletes.
“The stadium and training centers you have asked for are now a possibility because we have secured funding. I’m going to tell MPs that we are bringing the sports funds law to Parliament so that we can amend it to eliminate things that were compromising the fund,” he stated.
What We Know So Far on Kiptum’s Death
Post-Mortem Report
Kiptum and his coach from Rwanda, Gervais Hakizimana, lost their lives in a traffic accident on the Eldoret-Kaptagat Road on Sunday, February 11. The only survivor of the tragic incident was a passenger named Sharon Kosgey, who was seated at the back.
On Wednesday, February 21, Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor announced that the marathoner’s demise resulted from significant head injuries incurred due to the impact of the accident.
“Upon doing the postmortem, the findings are that the late Kelvin had severe head injuries. There were severe skull fractures which were mainly at the base of the spine. The spinal cord had intruded into the cranial cavity because of the fractures,” Johansen explained.
Last Moments
Investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) determined the day before that Kiptum, who passed away, had patronized three distinct dining establishments on the evening of his demise.
Based on the CCTV recordings, Kiptum was observed at Alex Inn Restaurant situated along the Iten-Eldoret highway, as well as at the Well Irish Pub and Restaurant in Rupa Mall, Eldoret town. During these visits, he was accompanied by Hakizimana and Kosgey.
Afterward, the three individuals departed for the Grand Miarmir Guest House in the Annex, located just a few kilometers away from the second restaurant. This is where the deceased had his final meal before proceeding towards Kaptagat.
Survivor Narrates The Last Moments
Sharon Kosgey asserted that she observed the vehicle deviating from the road and promptly informed Kiptum, who was behind the wheel.
Unfortunately, the person who passed away couldn’t regain control of the vehicle, resulting in a collision.
Preliminary Investigations Rule Out Mechanical Car Problems
Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge disclosed on Tuesday, February 13, that the vehicle belonging to the trio was in proper working order when Kiptum passed away. The inquiry included a thorough examination of the car’s lighting system, tires, and brakes.
“The examiner said there was no pre-accident evidence of a mechanical breakdown, which means it had good breaks, tires, lights, everything mechanically okay,” he noted.
Sharon, the survivor, affirmed in a statement taken by the DCI officers that the vehicle was in excellent condition and had not encountered any problems before the accident.
Let’s Mind Our Lifestyles- Ruto’s Speech on Kiptum Death Raises Questions