Leaders have appealed to the government to secure a job for late marathoner Kelvin Kiptum’s wife.
Kiptum whose burial service is underway in Elgeyo Marakwet, has left behind a widow, Asenath Rotich and two children.
Speaking during the service, Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei appealed to Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich to give the widow a job in the county.
This, he said, will ensure the widow is closer to home and always near the family and her children.
“I would like to request the governor to consider employing Kiptum’s wife within the county so that she remains here or near the family as she takes care of their young children,” Tuwei said.
Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo also appealed to President William Ruto to ensure that Kiptum’s wife gets a job at the national government.
“The family had hoped that Kevin would now change their lives, but he is no more. I want to ask you the president to give Kevin’s wife a job at the national government so that he can take care of these children,’” Kimaiyo said.
The MP said that if the wife is empowered she will take care of the children and the family of Kiptum.
“The Head of the Public Service came here and we told him that. Please we ask that she be considered for a job,” he said.
The athlete died on February 11 alongside his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana in a road accident along the Eldoret-Ravine road.
Kiptum’s death happened six days after the IAAF ratified his record of 2:00:35.
Kiptum broke Eliud Kipchoge’s world record in Chicago, in October last year, running 26.1 miles in two hours and 35 seconds.
Governor Rotich on Thursday said that the county will name a road in the county after the fallen athlete.
The governor said in doing so, Kiptum’s name, history and legacy would be remembered by generations to come even those who never knew him.
Speaking at Iten Sportsground when he led hundreds of residents in viewing the late athlete’s body, the governor said Kiptum’s record would not be easy to break.
On Tuesday, athletes and local leaders held processions and candle-lighting events in honour of Kiptum and his coach.
