February 23, 2024: Top news events to look out for today
By Collins Amanga, February 23, 2024
Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.
Kelvin Kiptum’s funeral:
President William Ruto will lead the nation in bidding farewell to Kelvin Kiptum, the world men’s marathon record holder, at his home in Naiberi village, Uasin Gishu County.
More than 2000 mourners from the global athletics fraternity are expected to attend the memorial mass at Chepsamo Primary School in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Initially scheduled for tomorrow, Kiptum’s burial has been moved forward to accommodate President Ruto’s attendance.
Senior government officials, including Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, will also be present.
The local community, Athletics Kenya leadership, athletes, and international athletics representatives will attend both the funeral mass and the burial.
Kiptum’s body was transferred from the Eldoret Hospital mortuary, with thousands of mourners paying their respects along the procession route from Eldoret to Iten.
His father initially wished for Kiptum to be buried at their home in Chepkorio village, but an agreement was reached for his final resting place to be Naiberi, Ainabkoi Constituency, Uasin Gishu County.
Magical Kenya Open Day 2:
The Magical Kenya Open continues with Darius van Driel taking the first-round lead with an opening 66.
Van Driel’s remarkable journey in golf, marked by a temporary hiatus after a hand injury, has seen him regain form and secure a place among the top contenders.
Other players in contention include Daan Huizing, Frederic Lacroix, Tapio Pulkkanen, Yannick Schuetz, Connor Syme, and Ryan van Velzen.
On Thursday, the afternoon session saw Schuetz and Van Velzen among the leaders, with solid performances from Joe Dean, Jonathan Gøth-Rasmussen, Craig Howie, Daniel Young, Sam Jones, Pieter Moolman, Lorenzo Scalise, and Jesper Svensson.
KPLC maintenance
In Othaya, Nyeri County, KPLC has scheduled a maintenance exercise resulting in a blackout from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Areas affected include Mwai Kibaki Hospital, Thuti C/Fact, Silent Lodge, Nyamari S/Center, Othaya Sub-County Hosp, Approved School, Othaya Law Courts, Othaya Boys High School, Gathumbi Market, Waihara Market, Kabebero Market, Kihuri Market, Kihuri Water Treatment, Thokoini TBC, Thuti TBC, Thunguri Mkt, Iriani Girls School, Kiahagu Secondary, Kiriti TBC, Karega TBC, Kiandemi Village, and adjacent customers.