Ksh45M Deal With Chinese Company That Prompted Visit By 4 Strangers At Kelvin Kiptum's Home

The four men who were alleged to have visited the home of the late World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum four days before his accident were sent to negotiate a sponsorship deal, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, investigating Kiptum's death, have disclosed.

According to Elgeyo Marakwet CCIO Joshua Chelal, based on the accounts the suspects had given during their interrogation, the men were representatives of a Chinese company which was to supply sports equipment to Kiptum to be used during the Chicago marathon in April 2024 under a Ksh45 million signed contract.

"It is alleged that Kiptum opted to use a different brand and not the Chinese brand as agreed," Chelal told Citizen TV.

The CCIO further indicated that the men were sent in response to Kiptum rejecting the offer, thus prompting a more assertive approach by visiting the late marathoner's home in an attempt to make him change his mind.

"Therefore they (the Chinese company) were aggrieved and sent the four men to negotiate whether they could be compensated or whether they would be given another opportunity to supply Kiptum equipment for the forthcoming Rotterdam race slated for April 2024."

On their part, the men, through their lawyer, argued that they were well-known to Kiptum's family, further adding that the four had a fruitful discussion with the late marathoner during their interaction.

They were shocked at being linked to Kiptum's death, bearing in mind that they had good intentions for him.

They further denied reports that they were sent by State House as representatives, however, one of them completely refused to respond to questions regarding Kiptum's accident.

While three of the four men surrendered themselves to the authorities, the fourth one was arrested on Wednesday, February 14.

The men were grilled for hours as investigations into Kiptum's death continued, and will be required to report back to the CCIO on Friday.

The Sub-county Commander Keiyo South Abdullahi Dahir stated "What made us look for the four suspects is the allegation made by the father of the dead, we never had any prior allegation or report."

In the meantime, burial preparations for the late Kiptum have begun with the organising committee indicating that the late athlete will be interred at this home on Saturday, February 24.