Speaking on Friday during Kiptum’s burial ceremony , the head of state said that he would discuss with Elgeyo Marakwet governor Wesley Rotich to find a spot for Kiptum’s wife for her to be in a position to support her family.

“Kwa Mama Asenath, nitaketi chini na Governor wenyu alafu tukubaliene ile kazi itamtosha ndio aweze kusimamia watoto wa Kelvin Kiptum,” he said.

In addition to securing employment for Kiptum’s wife, the head of state said that the bereaved wife would be provided with a new home to settle her young family left behind by Kiptum.

“Huyu kijana tushampatia milioni tano tayari na serikali itampatia nyumba mzuri mbali na ile tumejenga hapa. Sasa tutampatia mjane wake,” said Ruto.

Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei during the burial asked Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich of the same.

“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.

During the funeral ceremony, President Ruto eulogised Kiptum as an “ambitious, disciplined and focused sportsman calling on to Kenyans to learn from the late Kiptum.

“I say Kelvin even in his death is speaking to us as Kenyans that we may not have gold, we may not have so much… and that should not deter us from being the great country that we must be. All of us as the people of Kenya must love this country enough to be able, to make Kenya great,’ said Ruto.

President Ruto also challenged veteran athletes to help monitor the upcoming ones to avoid such incidents as the death of Kiptum urging Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba to open a pension fund for athletes after they retire.

President Ruto pledges to provide Kelvin Kiptum’s wife with a second house, Ksh. 5 million, and employment.#uptownradio #onlineradio #UPDATE trends with Edna Awuor #SaisereKiptum #HuddahGotSaved Ogopa Ruto bob collymore Kelvin Kiptum Rigathi Gachagua pic.twitter.com/HAsqZpNY7k

— Uptown Radio (@uptownradioke) February 23, 2024