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"id": 1372743,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1372743/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Cherarkey",
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"id": 13217,
"legal_name": "Cherarkey K Samson",
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"content": "subsequently the following year, he also finished first in 21-kilometre marathon in France. Madam Temporary Speaker, it has to be noted by many Kenyans that Kelvin Kiptum was self-coached. Most of the professional athletes have coaches who give them technical advice and support. However, Kelvin was self-coached until 2021 when the Rwandese coach, Gervais Hakizimana came on board. Unfortunately, they perished together on that tragic road accident. We express our condolences, empathies, and sympathies to the family. The late Kiptum was due to race in Rotterdam Marathon on 14th April, a run that may have further cemented his first rise in that race. He was very poised and articulate in his agenda. He had chosen marathon. Kiptum’s personal best was in 10,00 meters where he ran 28:27 at Stockholm in 2021. I will utilize10 minutes so that I allow colleagues to eulogize this great athlete and legend of all times. In road races, Kiptum ran 10 kilometres under 28:17 in Utrecht in 2019. A half marathon of 58:42 in Valencia, 2020 and of course the London Marathon of 2023 of 2:2:25, becoming the third fastest of all time. Kevin Kiptum did not stop at shuttering the world class of athletics. This happened in Chicago 2023 when he beat the greatest of all times, my neighbor, Eliud Kipchoge by running 2:00:35, a world record that was unfortunately ratified by World Athletics a week before he perished through that tragic road accident. The famous 1:59 minutes, although it is unofficial, Eliud Kipchoge, indicated that Kelvin Kiptum was going to be one of the best marathoners. I remember his interview vividly. Kenyans have been condemning Eliud Kipchoge saying he did not congratulate Kelvin Kiptum. If you are keen, in a press conference after the event, Eliud Kipchoge indicated that he is happy that Kelvin Kiptum is becoming one of the best. As you have heard from interviews from family, he told even his father and spouse that he felt that he could run under two hours. I want to urge the police to move with speed and conclude--- I am happy four people presented themselves yesterday to Iten Police Station and have recorded statements with relevant agencies. We want our athlete to have a heroic sendoff. I am happy to report to the House that courtesy of His Excellency the President and the Kenya Kwanza Government, the great legend of sporting fraternity Kelvin Kiptum will be given a State burial. That is important. As we speak, I am informed from reliable sources that the Government has directed that the family home be constructed immediately. We need to borrow from President Museveni. When Uganda athletes win gold, they get a car and a house. I also saw that after Nigeria lost, Tinubu Bola, the President of Nigeria, gave players of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) a house and land. We need to motivate athletes who play basketball, volleyball and football. Let us motivate our youth. I know my brother Sen. Kisang, from Elgeyo-Marakwet, we will have a discussion. Even here in Nairobi, let us look for a road or university and name this great marathoner of all times. I want to see a sports academy named after Kelvin Kiptum, so that it inspires most of young people going into the future. We have seen some institutions that have been The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate."
}