Editor's Review

“We have already given Kiptum Ksh 5 million and the government will give him a good house, apart from the one we have built here." 

President William Ruto has promised to give the late world record marathon holder Kelvin Kiptum another house.

Speaking on Friday, February 23 during Kiptum’s burial ceremony in Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Ruto said the house will be given to Kiptum’s wife Asenath Rotich. 

He noted that the government had already given the late athlete Ksh 5 million as promised.

“We have already given Kiptum Ksh 5 million and the government will give him a good house, apart from the one we have built here. We will give it to his wife,” said Ruto.

The Head of State also said he will consult with Elgeyo Marakwet governor Wesley Rotich and agree on which job Kiptum’s widow Asenath will be given to enable her to raise their kids.

"Regarding Mama Asenath, I will sit down with your governor to discuss and agree on the job that will suit her so that she can bring up the children of the late Kelvin Kiptum,” Ruto added.

President William Ruto during the late Kelvin Kiptum's burial. 

The President mourned Kiptum as an ambitious disciplined, and focused man who worked hard to break the world record despite coming from a poor background.

Ruto urged Kenyan athletes who will participate in the Paris Olympics to make it a Kelvin Kiptum tournament.

“We had hope that he will keep Kenya on the map even in the upcoming Olympics in Paris, but since we have you athletes, Paris is going to be the Olympics that will define Kevin. We want you to make Paris an Olympics of Kevin Kiptum, we know you have the capabilities,” Ruto stated.

The President’s announcement comes a week after he deployed engineers to build the house for the record-breaking athlete settled on a prefabricated design to complete it within seven days.