ITEN, Kenya, Feb 23 — President William Ruto has urged sportsmen and women to desist from activities that can ruin their talents.
President Ruto regretted that use of drugs among some athletes has tarnished the country’s name besides ruining their careers.
Speaking during the funeral service of Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum at Chepkorio grounds, Elgeyo Marakwet County, President Ruto said the Government has declared war against doping.
“I want to ask our sportsmen and women not to allow drugs to ruin their profession,” he said.
He said Kenya has put in place measures aimed at ensuring that doping does not lead to the country’s ban by international athletics authorities.
“When we took over office in 2022, Kenya had already been blacklisted because of doping. But we resolved the issue, and we are now off the list of countries targeted over doping,” President Ruto said.
Anti-doping campaign
The Head of State announced that the government will use Sh3.5 billion in the next five years to deal with doping-related activities.
At the same time, President Ruto said his administration has established an endowment and pension funds for the welfare of sportsmen and women.
“We have now established an Endowment Fund and Pension Fund to deal with matters of our sportsmen and women, especially after retirement,” he said.
President Ruto directed Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, who was also present, to adjust the reward system of sportsmen and women to meet their future needs.
He announced that Chepkorio Stadium will be built in honour of the late Kiptum. He also announced that the tendering process for the construction of Kamariny Stadium in Iten town was ongoing.
President Ruto asked Kenyan athletes to prepare adequately for the Paris Summer Olympics so that they win many medals in honour of Kiptum and Kenya.
He described Kiptum as a great athlete and a good person.
“In Kelvin Kiptum, we saw the future of athletics in Kenya. He was hardworking, disciplined and focused,” said President Ruto.
Rigathi at Paris Marathon
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said he would join the athletes in Paris later in the year to boost their morale in honour of the late Kiptum.
He said death has snatched a great athlete who was destined for greater things.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged Kenyans to support efforts by President Ruto to fix the country’s economy.
“Let’s continue rallying behind our President in his effort to unite our country,” said Mr Mudavadi.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said his ministry would build murram roads to be used by athletes during training.
Namwamba, who read his condolence message by the entire Cabinet, said the country was shattered by the tragic news of Kiptum’s death.
He described the late Kiptum as a champion of anti-doping.
“Kiptum showed us that one can win and shatter world records without using drugs,” he said.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described Kiptum as an extraordinary young man who was destined for greater heights.
“I want to assure the world that his achievements are treasured and secure, and wont be forgotten,” Mr Coe.
Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei called for legislation providing for the welfare of athletes in the country.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot said MPs were ready to support efforts that would improve the lives of athletes.
Governors Wisely Rotich (Elgeyo-Marakwet), Chelilim Bii (Uasin Gishu), Simon Kachapin (West Pokot) and Stephen Sang (Nandi) supported efforts to help athletes with investment opportunities.
Many MPs, MCAs and clergy attended the funeral service.