A memorial service was held for Cheruiyot Kirui, the mountaineer who tragically fell and died on Mt Everest, at CITAM, Valley Road. Among the mourners was his girlfriend, Nakhulo Khaimia, who shared a moving tribute about their relationship. Khaimia and Kirui met when she reviewed his book on mountaineering, which led to their romance.
Khaimia reminisced about their first meeting in 2019 through running circles and how they reconnected in 2020 when she reviewed his book. She fondly remembered how Cheruiyot always made tea for her, and their dinner dates, despite his initial warning that she shouldn’t expect much from a Kalenjin man. However, he surprised her with romantic gestures, such as gifting her flowers on their first Valentine’s Day.
Kirui, affectionately nicknamed Baba Chero, was deeply devoted to his daughter, Maya Cherotich. Khaimia recalled his joy whenever she called him by this name and shared memories of their drives to Kasarani for goat meat and Sunday runs to Karura.
Cheruiyot’s family held a casketless funeral service as his body remains on Mt Everest, deemed too risky to retrieve. His family and friends, consoled by his love for the mountains, suggested naming a mountain in Kenya after him. Cheruiyot aspired to summit the tallest mountains on all seven continents, a dream he shared with many.
