Ruto Gifts Kelvin Kiptum's Family Ksh5M, To Build Him Another House
At the same time, he promised that he would consider requests to give his wife a government job.
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President William Ruto has announced that he has already gifted the family of world record marathoner Kelvin Kiptum Ksh5 million, adding that his government would build another house for him.
While addressing a congregation during Kiptum's burial at Chepkorio, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Ruto added that the house would be under the Affordable Housing program and would bear the name of Kiptum's wife, Asenath Rotich.
"I have already given the family Ksh5 million and now the government will give him another new house beside the house we have built here and it will belong to his wife," Ruto announced.
A view of the completed version of the late Kelvin Kiptum's house. /VIRAL TEA KE
At the same time, he promised that he would consider requests to give his wife a government job.
"I shall sit down with your governor and agree with him on the work that would suit this woman so that she can take care of the children of the late Kelvin Kiptum," he added.
The promise to reward Kiptum's wife with a new house comes a week after the head of state instructed engineers he sent to Kiptum's homestead to build him a new house in one week ahead of the athlete's burial on Friday, February 23.
Kiptum's last wish before dying in an accident on Sunday, February 11 was to build a home for his family. According to his wife, Asenath Jeruto, the athlete had already drafted his architectural plans for the dream house which was approved by the county government.
Meanwhile, while eulogising the late marathoner, President Ruto termed Kiptum as a man with a great heart and that his untimely death was a message to all Kenyans.
He lauded Kiptum's ambition, discipline and focus during the most brutal athletic competitions and despite being from a humble background, his hard work made him known, including defying odds to break legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge's world record.
"He worked against the odds. In Kelvin, we saw the future of athletics in Kenya. He stood out not only as a great athlete but more importantly as a good person. He was ambitious, disciplined and focused," Ruto narrated.
Veteran athletes were also challenged to help monitor the upcoming ones to avoid such incidents as the untimely death of Kelvin Kiptum.
Turning to the athletes, Ruto urged them to give their very best in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games indicating that this would be the best way to honour him.
“We had faith and hope that he would keep Kenya on the world map even in the coming Olympics. But since we have you, our athletes, and you have heard from all of us…Paris is going to be the Olympics that is going to define this man, Kelvin," Ruto declared.
“We want you to make Paris an Olympics of Kelvin Kiptum. Help us and we know you can do it.”
