Forensic experts from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are diligently piecing together the last moments of marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.

Kelvin Kiptum (l) and DCI officers (r) at one of the hotels he visited on the day he died in an accident. Photo: Tony Karumba/ screengrab from Standard Digital.

Led by Martin Nyuguto, the director of homicide, the team is focusing on three key restaurants visited by Kiptum and his coach before the tragic road crash.

 

  • CCTV Unveils Truth:

    • Detectives from DCI secured crucial CCTV footage, unveiling Kelvin Kiptum’s final moments.
  • Wreckage Review:
    • Keiyo South OCPD Abdullahi Dahir revealed that a scrutiny of the wreckage of Kiptum’s Toyota Premio showed the front part was intact, and the airbags did not deploy.
  • Father’s Call for Probe:
    • Samsom Cheruiyot, Kiptum’s father, urged investigations, raising concerns about four unidentified individuals who visited their home a few days before Kiptum’s tragic demise.

  • Statements Recorded:

    • Four people who visited Kiptum’s home shortly before his death recorded statements with the police, adding another layer to the ongoing investigation.

 

The DCI’s special forensic unit took over the investigation, starting on Tuesday, February 20, to trace Kiptum’s final moments leading to the fatal accident along the Eldoret-Ravine Road. The team visited the places Kiptum and coach Gervais Hakizimana frequented on that day.

The significant locations include Talex Inn Restaurant Pub and Car Wash, The Well Irish Pub and Restaurant at Rupa Mall, and The Grand Miarmir Guest House. At the Grand Miarmir Guest House, where Kiptum had dinner, the team noted the arrival and departure times of his car (Toyota Premio, KDL 566F).

 

The DCI team also reached out to Sharon Chepkurui, the sole survivor of the accident, to gather crucial insights into the events leading up to the tragic crash. The investigation, now in the hands of the special forensic unit, aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Kelvin Kiptum’s untimely death.

Government Chief Pathologist Johansen Oduor Arrives In Eldoret for Kiptum’s Postmortem.

Today marks the crucial day when Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor delves into the mystery surrounding the passing of Marathon Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum in Eldoret Hospital Morgue.

CHIEF GOVERNMENT PATHOLOGIST JOHANSEN ODUOR

Anticipation is soaring as emotions surge, drawing the athlete’s family, and investigators into the somber atmosphere.

“We’re ready and awaiting the family to proceed,” affirmed a hospital official.

Dr. Oduor is poised to update both the family and the media post-examination. Later in the evening, a poignant procession and candle-lighting ceremony in Eldoret will pay tribute to the late marathon champion, with hundreds of athletes participating. Local leaders are also set to join the event.

Beginning at the Eldoret arboretum and culminating at Nandi Park for the candle lighting, the procession honors Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, who lost their lives in a tragic road accident a week ago on the Eldoret-Ravine road.

Simultaneously, DCI headquarters’ Homicide officers are diligently probing the accident’s cause. Kiptum is scheduled for burial on Friday at his farm near Naiberi in Uasin Gishu county, bringing a poignant end to this chapter.

By McLean Simatwa