Hometown hero: Eldoret comes to a standstill as mammoth crowd mourns Kelvin Kiptum

The undying love for athletics in Eldoret was again witnessed on Wednesday night as passionate fans turned up on the streets of the city to be for Kelvin Kiptum’s candle-lighting ceremony.

Eldoret, often called the "City of Champions," has a rich history of producing world-class athletes, and Kiptum was no exception. His achievements on the marathon track had brought pride and joy to the locals, making his sudden departure more devastating.

Kiptum became the first athlete to break 2:01 in a record-eligible marathon, taking 34 seconds off the world record at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on 8 October.

Sadness was in the air as they sang native farewell songs, each holding a candle to represent their love for the legend gone too soon.

Most businesses remained closed, while those that were opened complained of a low turnout of fans as a majority of them were on the streets.

The residents shared messages of condolences and gratitude for Kiptum's contributions. Many emphasized his humility and dedication to his craft.

“He is a hero. We will miss him. Go well Kiptum,” Leah, a resident of Langas said.

“It is so sad that we will not watch him on the Mandago screen just like we watch other athletes. He went too soon. The City of Champions is broken,” another resident said.

“While I mourn Kiptum today, I feel happy that this ceremony brought together all these people. It is a great show of solidarity. Wherever he is, I am sure he is proud of the love of his people. Gone but never forgotten,” another one stated amidst the commotion.

“I wish a foundation could be set up in the memory of this legend, or a major road named after him. He deserves it. Rest in peace champion,” a resident who identified himself as Geoffrey offered.

His body will leave Eldoret Hospital Mortuary today (Thursday) for an overnight stay at his Chepsaimo home, before burial on Friday at his four-acre farm in Naiberi, Uasin Gishu county.

President William Ruto and other dignitaries will attend the burial ceremony.

A funeral procession will begin from Eldoret Hospital mortuary to Iten for public viewing, before winding up at his Chepsaimo home where the athlete's body will lie overnight.

Kiptum’s final moments

According to the probe by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kiptum visited Talex Inn Restaurant Pub and Car Wash along Iten-Eldoret road, The Well Irish Pub and Restaurant at Rupa Mall, and The Grand Miarmir Guest House in Annex off the Eldoret-Nairobi highway.

At Grand Miarmir Guest House, Kiptum’s Toyota Premio car KDL 566F, arrived at 9:12 pm and left at 10:25 pm.

Post-mortem report reveals Kiptum succumbed to severe head injuries

Workers at the guest house said Kiptum, his coach, and Chepkurui took dinner at their restaurant before leaving in the ill-fated car.

After leaving The Grand Miarmir Guest House located on the outskirts of Eldoret, the trio drove towards the athlete’s training base in Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet.

The accident happened at Flax Junction, about 36 kilometers away from the last entertainment joint.

Jeremy Kipkorir, a supervisor at The Wells Irish Restaurant, said Kiptum, Hakizimana, and a woman arrived around 6:36 pm and left at 8:58 pm.

Director of Grand Miarmir Elphas Sitienei confirmed that Kiptum, coach, and Chepkurui checked in at the time recorded at the restaurant’s entrance.

Sitienei said Kiptum and the duo spent their time at the VIP lounge.

Details of Kiptum’s last moments at Talex Inn, where the athlete stayed on Sunday afternoon, remained elusive.

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