When a loved one is lost, families often cling to promises made during those difficult days. For the family of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a tragic accident in February 2024, those promises remain unfulfilled.
His father now says the support pledged by the government never reached them, raising questions about how quickly words can fade after the mourning crowds have gone.
At the time of his burial, President William Ruto’s government assured the family that Kiptum’s widow would be given a job to help sustain her household. Alongside that, there was a commitment of KSh 5 million to cushion the family in their grief.
According to Kiptum’s father, none of this has come to pass, leaving them still waiting months later. The full story can be found here.
For many Kenyans, this is a difficult reality to hear. Kiptum was not just another athlete; he was a young man whose remarkable achievements placed Kenya on the world stage. His sudden death left the country in sorrow, and his family in deep loss.
The thought that they may still be struggling while waiting for promised help is unsettling. It makes one reflect: how often do families in similar situations continue to wait quietly for support that never comes?
Kiptum’s rise had been swift and inspiring, and his story was one of discipline, hope, and determination. For his family, life after his passing has been about survival and adjusting to the emptiness he left behind.
The pledges made were meant to give them some stability in the midst of pain. Yet today, his father’s words reveal a lingering sense of disappointment and abandonment.
This moment calls for reflection not only on government responsibility but also on how society treats its heroes once the celebrations are over. It raises the uncomfortable question of whether promises tied to grief are truly meant to last, or if they are only made for the cameras.
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