During the burial of Kenyan marathoner Kelvin Kiptum, Professor Paul Kimurto emerged into the public spotlight as he was tasked with reading the eulogy for the late world record-holding marathoner who tragically passed away in an accident.
During Kiptum’s funeral at Chepsamo village in Elgeiyo South Constituency, the area Member of Parliament (MP) Gideon Kimaiyo revealed to mourners and the public that Prof Kimurto was related to the athlete.
The lawmaker seizing the moment, made a heartfelt appeal to President William Ruto who was in attendance. He advocated for Prof Kimurto’s elevation to a prominent government position, citing the potential of his appointment to positively impact the Kiptum’s family.
“If Prof Kimurto is appointed to a top government position such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), he will be able to support the entire Kiptum family given his family ties,” MP Kimaiyo appealed to President Ruto.
Although little is known about the eloquent scholar, Prof Kimurto is a lecturer and researcher at Egerton University, one of Kenya’s oldest public universities, founded in 1939 as a farm school by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatton.
Meanwhile, Kiptum, whose dreams of breaking the race’s two-hour barrier were ended by a fatal car crashwas remembered for his talent and humility during his funeral service.
Anglican Bishop Paul Korir, who presided over the service, emphasised Kiptum’s humility and ties to the local community, where he had worked as a livestock herder and trained as an electrician before becoming a professional runner.
“He dined with the high and mighty, and at the same time, he came to play pool at Chepkorio,” Korir said.
His sudden death has left Kenya and the wider athletics community reeling.
“He was a real superstar whose path was on a spectacular upward trajectory,” said Jack Tuwei, president of Athletics Kenya. “All indications were he was going to beat the two-hour barrier.”
