A video of Samson Cheruiyot, the father of late marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, has left many Kenyans deeply troubled after it surfaced on TikTok on September 25, 2026.
In the clip, Samson stands outdoors near a wooden livestock fence and a stone perimeter wall, speaking directly into the camera in what appears to be an unscripted, emotional monologue.
His hand gestures and fragmented speech paint a picture of a man carrying a heavy burden, months after the world lost one of Kenya’s greatest distance runners
Kelvin Kiptum’s legacy and his father’s struggles
Kelvin Kiptum became a global athletics icon after setting the marathon world record in Chicago in 2023.
His sudden death left the country in mourning, and his family has since been navigating life without him in the public eye.
The grief has not been easy for Samson. In April 2026, he went public with accusations that a management firm which had contracted his son had neglected him in the wake of Kiptum’s passing.
That earlier cry for help went largely unanswered, and his latest video suggests the pain has not eased. Watch the video below;
@samsoncheruiyot001♬ One Smile Can Change the Day – AI IRIE FM
Kenyans react to the heartbreaking footage
The TikTok video drew an immediate and emotional response from viewers who recognised Samson and were moved by his apparent state of distress.
Fans directed their frustration at institutions they felt should be doing more to support the bereaved family. Here is what some had to say:
@caleb koech arap simba said:
“Time to move on.”
@nayima said:
“Rest people.”
@AbenaBW said:
“💔 💔 💔 💔 Where are our athletes, Athletics Kenya, Sports CS? This is heartbreaking.”
@Menti said:
“This is so sad, but it is time to take care of yourself.”
Kiptum gave Kenya immense pride on the world stage, and many believe that should come with lasting support for those he left behind.
