The family of late world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum has come forward to share the harsh reality of their lives, nine months after his tragic passing. Despite their son’s fame and accomplishments, his parents are now facing severe economic challenges and hardship, with little support from the promises made to them after his death.
Kelvin Kiptum, who made history in October 2023 with a stunning marathon time of 2:00:35, became an international sensation. His achievement, which shattered Eliud Kipchoge’s previous marathon world record, marked him as one of Kenya’s brightest athletic stars. Tragically, Kiptum’s life was cut short in February 2024 due to a car accident, leaving his parents, Samson Cheruiyot and his wife, to grapple with the aftermath of his untimely death.
Kiptum’s father, a pastor from Chepsamo village in Elgeyo Marakwet County, openly expressed the family’s frustrations in a video that has since gone viral. Despite their son’s wealth and success, the family has found themselves in a dire situation, struggling to meet even basic needs. Cheruiyot pleaded for help, asking Kenyans to support them, as the family’s efforts to reach out for assistance had been repeatedly blocked, leaving them feeling abandoned.
The Kiptum family had relied on their son as their sole breadwinner. Since his passing, they have been left without financial support, and their daily lives have become increasingly difficult. The only gesture they received from the government was a house constructed on their farm, which they appreciate but is insufficient to meet their needs. The family still lacks essential facilities like a proper toilet, and they face significant challenges when it comes to storing harvested grains or securing a reliable water source.
Kiptum’s mother also shared her deep sorrow, describing the unbearable situation they now face. Without her son’s support, she explained that she struggles with even the most basic tasks. The lack of a proper kitchen forces her to cook outdoors, and the structure she uses to prepare food leaks, making it impossible to maintain any semblance of comfort. In an emotional plea, she stated, “If my son could rise from the grave today, he would have so many questions. We have suffered.”
The family’s challenges have been compounded by the unfulfilled promises of financial assistance from various sources. After Kiptum’s death, there were assurances that help would come, but months later, little has materialized. The Kiptum family has found it difficult to speak out, claiming that powerful individuals have actively worked to block their attempts to seek help, leaving them feeling voiceless and helpless.
Kiptum’s impact on the world of athletics was extraordinary, and his potential was widely recognized. Beyond his record-breaking marathon times in Valencia, London, and Chicago, Kiptum had quickly become a prominent figure in the global running community, positioning himself as a worthy rival to Kipchoge, the marathon legend. His promise as an athlete and his success in the sport brought him significant earnings, which would have supported his family for years to come.
However, tragedy struck when Kiptum, along with his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, lost their lives in a car accident in February 2024. A third passenger, Sharon Chepkurui, was also involved but survived the crash. Since then, the Kiptum family has faced not only the grief of losing their son but also the stark reality of a life without the support he had provided.
The Kiptum family’s situation has captured the sympathy of many, with social media users expressing disbelief and sorrow over the hardships they now endure. The family’s appeal for assistance has highlighted the reality that, despite their son’s remarkable achievements, they are now struggling in ways that were unimaginable before his passing. Without their son’s financial support, the Kiptum family is left to navigate a life of uncertainty and difficulty, relying on the goodwill of others to survive.
