When their son, marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, was being buried in February last year, after succumbing to a grisly road accident, several promises were made to his parents by the government, world athletic bodies and other well-wishers.

However, People Daily has established that one year later, these promises are yet to be fulfilled, and his parents have been left on their own.

In an interview at their home in Naiberi, Uasin Gishu County, which was built for them by the government, Kiptum’s parents say, despite their son being a millionaire before his tragic death, they are now living in hardship and have appealed for help as they face poverty and unfulfilled promises.

“If my son could rise from the grave today, he would be surprised to see the suffering we are going through,” Kiptum’s father, Samson Cheruiyo,t says, desperate to reach out to Kenyans for help.

“We tried reaching out to online bloggers, but we were blocked, and we don’t know why,” he adds.

Kiptum’s mother, Mary Kangogo on her part recalls that when their son died, they least expected to live in such deplorable conditions.

“I don’t have a proper kitchen, so I cook outside, and the structure leaks. If my son could rise from the grave today, he would have so many questions. We have suffered. Kiptum was our only child and was taking care of us,” says a devastated Mrs Kangogo.

She adds that drinking water is also another major challenge and they have to pay for a tractor to deliver it, which has become a big burden.

People Daily also established that prior to his untimely death, Kiptum was set to tie the knot with his wife, Asenath. According to Kiptum’s widow, Asenath Rotich, all was set for the colourful ceremony but death robbed her of a companion.

“We were set for our big day in April but God’s plans are greater. But despite this, I still make the wedding vows in his absence,” she says, battling tears, adding.

Asenath still has fond memories of Kiptum as a good husband and father, promising to take care of their two children-Kigen and Precious.

Big pledges

“He was the love of my life forever, but I still promise to gather my strength for the sake of our children. I hope in the spirit world you will inspire me to stand as a pillar to our children. I promise to make them smile in your honour. I will make you happy all the time,” vows Asenath.

President William Ruto, who was among top dignitaries who attended Kiptum’s burial, pledged to support the development of sports infrastructure and continue to support the fight against doping through a multi-agency team that was created to fight the menace.

“I have made a commitment to fund the fight with five million dollars annually and I believe we shall be able to have zero cases and end the menace,” said the President then.

President Ruto also disclosed government plans to provide the training grounds crucial for athletes to perform well.

He said the government was working on a plan to make sure the athletics-rich North Rift region gets good sports facilities before other regions across the country.

President Ruto described Kiptum as an inspiration to the upcoming generation who chose to struggle to succeed, rather than resign himself to fate, despite coming from a humble background.

The burial was also attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe and top athletes.

Others included former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, Governors Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet), Jonathan Bii (Uasin Gishu), several MPs and Senators.

Massive plans

Kiptum and his Rwandese coach Garvais Hakizimana died following a grisly road accident along Kaptagat-Ravine Road while heading to Chepkorio in Elgeyo Marakwet county. The third passenger, identified as Sharon Kosgey, survived the accident. Kiptum was driving a Toyota Premio with the two passengers on board.

Initial investigations into the grisly accident revealed that the vehicle which claimed the life of the athlete had no mechanical problem.

According to police reports, Kiptum lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road, hit a tree before landing in a ditch about 60 metres away.

Kosgey, who had been friends with Kiptum since January, told journalists then that they had watched an English Premier League match and had a meal in Eldoret town before heading to Chepkorio, where Kiptum trained.

Before his demise, Kiptum’s world record of 2.00.35 had just been ratified by World Athletics after he lowered the previous record of the Chicago Marathon in the USA in October last year.

He was set to run at the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14 this year.

Kiptum was also in the Kenyan team picked for the 2024 Olympic games in Paris where he had vowed to lower his world record even more.

“I feel so energised and my body is responding well to training. I’m ready to carry the Kenyan flag higher in April Rotterdam Marathon and the 2024 Olympics,” the star athlete had told this writer in a past interview.

This was not to be though as the grim hand of death came calling at his doorstep.