Kelvin Kiptum: MPs call for further probe as police confirm cause of death

Police from Elgeyo Marakwet have confirmed that marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum died as a result of a traffic accident amid questions over what really transpired on Sunday night.

The confirmation came even as members of the National Assembly demanded that further investigations be done to ascertain who the individuals alleged to have visited Kiptum's home in unclear circumstances were.

According to the police, a further review of the accident scene and the Toyota Premio vehicle involved in the accident that was towed to Kaptagat Police Station, showed that the front part was intact and the airbags did not deploy.

Keiyo South OCPD Abdullahi Dahir said: “The sensor of the airbag normally is at the front, and if there was no impact on the front part of the vehicle, the airbags will not move. The impact (on Kiptum's car) was on the roof...on the top of the car...so that’s why we could not see the airbags out.”

Dahir further stated that they had widened their probe into claims that four unknown men followed Kiptum four days before his untimely death.

Sharon Kosgey, who survived the fatal accident unscathed, is also expected to aid police recreate events leading up to the death of the athlete and his coach.

At the National Assembly, Members of Parliament observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the world marathon record holder who passed away alongside his coach in a tragic traffic accident Sunday.

Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo said: “As we mourn the death of Kelvin, some actions must be taken by the Ministry of Sports. Wanjiru died at 24...the lady killed in Iten...we call on the sports ministry to take our athletes seriously.”

His Lang’ata counterpart Felix Odiwuor said: “Having listened to the father, we call for a thorough research...we call on the athletes to be treated as VIPs...they represent the country.”

Endebess  legislator Robert Pukose noted: “We need to counsel our athletes, advise them properly so that they can be able to live in a better way.”

Nominated MP Irene Mayaka, on her part, said” “I want to urge Kenyans to watch the insensitive comments they have been posting on social media, we have seen a lot...”

Senators also called for the consideration of the welfare of sportsmen and women,

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot stated: “Many us who are fans of athletics were looking forward to the battle with (Eliud) Kipchoge, so many of our athletes have departed in this way...Rudisha had such an incident which he never recovered from, and its points out to a lack of mentorship...”

“As a people of Kenya, we have lost part of our story and history because we didn’t get to experience the gift he was,” added Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu.

Kiptum's father has implored police to launch investigations into details of individuals whose pictures he took and a car he claimed to have ferried the persons he said were following his late son.

Meanwhile, the family continues to come to terms with the loss of Kiptum whom they termed a beacon of hope.