Kelvin Kiptum: How fallen hero’s management plans to help his family

ATHLETICS Kelvin Kiptum: How fallen hero’s management plans to help his family

Joel Omotto 20:33 - 15.02.2024

Kelvin Kiptum’s management company has revealed grand plans that will help support his family following his untimely death last weekend.

Kelvin Kiptum’s management company Golazo plans to set up a foundation next week which will help support the family of the world marathon record holder who died on Sunday.

Kiptum met his untimely death in tragic fashion following a road accident that claimed his life and that of his coach Gervais Hakizimana, cutting short a promising career in marathon.

Kiptum left behind a young family, having been blessed with two children, aged seven and four, with his now widow Asenath Rotich and Golazo feels it is important to have them taken care of as soon as possible, hence the need for the foundation which people can donate to.

“This foundation we are going to set up is to remember the fallen athlete who was charming and close to many,” Golzao founder and CEO Bob Verbeeck told Nation.

“The foundation will also be a kitty that will assist the family, wife and his two children who are still young.”

The Brussels-based sports management company also plans to launch an annual race in Nairobi in memory of Kiptum who met his death when his career was just taking off.

“Organising a race in Nairobi is something we shall also plan once we have finished his burial because we want his name to remain in our memories forever. Kiptum had everyone’s attention and that is why the world is mourning his sudden departure,” added Verbeeck, who visited Kiptum’s home in Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet county on Wednesday.

Verbeeck’s plans will be a relief, somewhat, to Kiptum’s father Samson Cheruiyot who had been wondering how the family would cope now that their breadwinner was no more.

“Kiptum was my only child, now he has left me, his mother and his children,” a devasted Cheruiyot said on Monday.

“Now, I do not know what to say. His children are now looking at me, what will happen? If my son was here, he is just 24, he would have earned a lot and helped us. I had told God and his management to take care of my son but now, we have no one to help us.”

Cheruioyot also revealed how Kiptum had informed him that Golazo were planning to build them a house and buy them a car during his last conversation with his son.

Kiptum will be buried on February 24 at his home in Chepkorio.

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