Following the shocking demise of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum in a fatal car accident, arrests have been made as part of the ongoing investigation into the events leading up to his death.
The arrests come after Kiptum’s father, Samson Cheruiyot, raised concerns about a group of four unidentified men who had visited their home just days before the tragic incident.
Kenyan police have confirmed the detention of four individuals, whose identities have not been disclosed, in connection with the case.
Cheruiyot recounted the unsettling encounter, stating that despite his request for identification, the individuals chose to leave abruptly, leaving behind a sense of suspicion and unease.
“There are people who came home a while back who were looking for Kiptum, but they refused to identify themselves,” Cheruiyot disclosed to Citizen TV. “I asked them to provide identification, but they opted to leave. It was a group of four people.”
“The four were taken to Elgeyo Marakwet for further investigations,” said Keiyo South Sub County commandant Abdullahi Dahir, according to K24 TV. “They all come from Uasin Gishu County.”
These arrests were prompted by Cheruiyot’s insistence on a thorough investigation into the mysterious visit, during which the men reportedly refused to properly identify themselves.
“They said they wanted him, and now that this has happened, I am wondering what they were looking for at the time,” he said.
“What did they want from my son because they refused to identify themselves?”
The suspects were detained and are currently undergoing questioning by authorities.
Three of the individuals were apprehended at Kaptagat Police Station in Elgeyo Marakwet County before being transferred to Iten for further interrogation.
Additionally, the vehicle allegedly used by the individuals during their visit has been impounded as part of the investigation.
The involvement of these individuals, coupled with the timing of their visit, has sparked suspicions and intensified efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding Kiptum’s tragic accident.
While the motive behind the visit remains unclear, authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for answers.
Kiptum, a married father of two and a renowned athlete hailed for his remarkable achievements in the world of marathon running, tragically lost his life in a car crash while driving with his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
The accident occurred between the towns of Eldoret and Kaptagat in western Kenya, claiming the lives of both Kiptum and Hakizimana, while a female passenger sustained serious injuries.
An official police report stated of the accident, “He lost control and veered off-road, entering into a ditch on his left side. He drove in the ditch for about 60 meters before hitting a big tree.”
Kiptum’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the running community and beyond, with tributes pouring in from around the world for the talented young athlete.
His remarkable athletic accomplishments and promising future had garnered widespread admiration, with Kiptum’s record-breaking feats leaving a lasting mark on the world of marathon running.
