NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 23 — Keiyo South Member of Parliament Gideon Kimaiyo has urged the government to construct a new stadium in memory of the late world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.
Kimaiyo said a facility to honour the athlete who tragically lost his life in a road accident on February 11 alongside his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana will serve as a reminder of his achievements.
Addressing mourners during Kiptum’s funeral at his Chepsaimo home on Friday, Kimaiyo proposed naming of the stadium after the late athlete.
The legislator highlighted that besides celebrating Kiptum’s legacy as a national hero, the stadium would also address the longstanding issue of inadequate facilities for athletes.
“With utmost humility, we are requesting the government to construct that stadium for us through the sports fund,” he emphasized.
Kimaiyo noted that many athletes in the county lack proper facilities and accommodations, urging the government to establish a sports academy to cater to their needs.
Govt support
He also appealed to the government to assist Kiptum’s family, expressing that if alive, the late champion would have uplifted the family’s status.
“We are also appealing to the President to assist Kiptum’s widow in securing a job at the national level,” he added, noting that a similar request had been made to the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei during his visit to the family to offer condolences.
President William Ruto led Kenyans and the international community in honoring Kiptum’s memory at the funeral.
Kiptum’s sudden demise, along with his coach, sent shockwaves worldwide, especially as he was in the midst of preparations for the Rotterdam Marathon and the upcoming Olympics.
His coach, Hakizimana, was laid to rest in Rwanda on Wednesday.
At just 24, Kiptum’s list of accolades included victories in prestigious marathons such as Valencia, Chicago, and London.
His legacy as a trailblazer in the world of athletics will continue to inspire future generations of athletes, reminding them of the resilience, dedication, and passion he embodied.