Woman claiming to have Kelvin Kiptum's baby wants burial stopped, court declines to grant order
(FILES) Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum runs to the line to win the Men's race at the finish of the 2023 London Marathon in central London on April 23, 2023. World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana have died in a car crash in western Kenya that left a third passenger also injured, police said on February 11, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)
This is after a 22-year-old woman, claiming to be the mother of Kiptum’s child aged 1 and a half years, moved to court, seeking to stop the burial of the marathoner set for February 23, 2024.
The plaintiff, sought a temporary injunction to stop the release Kiptum’s body from Eldoret Hospital Mortuary and disposing it until the hearing and determination of the application.
Edna Owuor, through her lawyer Joseph Oyaro, wanted the body of Kiptum presented to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), for purposes of a DNA test to determine the girl's paternity.
While demanding that the minor be recognized as a beneficiary of Kiptum’s estate, the woman claimed that they (minor and plaintiff) have been left out of family arrangements.
“The applicant is apprehensive that should the burial go on as planned without paternity being established, the minor’s welfare will be in jeopardy,” read court papers.
Eldoret High court judge Justice Wananda declined to stop it.
Kiptum’s body was today moved from Eldoret Hospital to Iten for viewing before prayers at his home in Chepsamo, Chepkorio in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
A burial ceremony is set to be held tomorrow, which will see Kiptum laid to his final resting place in Naiberi, Uasin Gishu County.
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