Mixed reactions after government reveals cost of Kelvin new Kiptum’s house

ATHLETICS Mixed reactions after government reveals cost of Kelvin new Kiptum’s house

Joel Omotto 15:32 - 24.02.2024

Kenyans have given varied opinions after the government revealed the millions used to construct a new house for the family of late world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.

Kenyans have given varied reactions following revelations by the government that the house constructed for the family of the late marathoner Kelvin Kiptum cost Ksh7 million.

Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga revealed the cost of the house which took a record seven days to put up after the contractor opted to use the largely unknown but modern Light Gauge Steel technology.

The construction of the three-bedroom house had been the subject of discussion among Kenyans who wondered if it would have been completed on time but after handing over the keys to Kiptum’s window Asenath Cheruto just before her husband’s burial on Friday, Hinga defended the project while lauding the contactor for a job well done.

“You know some of them even nicknamed it ‘Eldoret Quiver’. I hope they can now swallow their words because this is a beautifully done house,” said Hinga.

“In terms of durability, my house has stood for 10 years. The technology has also been around for over 50 years and has been used in America, South Africa and New Zealand. This technology is mainly used in America where wood is very expensive,” he added.

The house was completed on Thursday and was fully furnished with furniture from Kenya Prisons while the government also provided additional food, utensils and toiletries to start off the family.

The house was constructed at the orders of President William Ruto after it emerged that Kiptum had planned to build a house for his family in June at a four-acre piece of land that he had purchased in Naiberi, Uasin Gishu county.

His wishes were therefore granted posthumously as the state sought to ease some pain on his young family.

In keeping with the Kalenjin tradition, Kiptum’s body was briefly taken into the house after which it was prayed for before he was buried next to it.

The government has also started constructing another house for the late marathoner’s father Samson Cheruiyot at the same compound.

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