World Marathon Record holder the late Kelvin Kiptum was Wednesday (20) inducted into the Talanta Hall of Fame at a colorful ceremony held at the Talanta Plaza in Nairobi.
The ceremony was presided over by the Cabinet Secretary Hon. Ababu Namwamba who led the unveiling ceremony to celebrate one of Kenya’s greatest marathon runner and the current world record holder.
The ceremony which was also attended by Kiptum’s wife, Asenath Rotich, fondly known as Mama Kigen his son Caleb Kigen and daughter Precious Cherop.
While speaking at the ceremony, the CS who was the chief guest said, “this is the first formal induction, and Kelvin becomes the first of our legends to be formally inducted in this hall of fame and stands here as a permanent heritage to his incredible contribution,” said Ababu.
“This is both a proud and sad moment as we celebrate the induction of a promising athlete who departed this world at his prime,” he said.
the CS reiterated that, “This hall celebrates the best of Kenya’s sports and creatives such as Joe kadenge, Paul Tergat and Ngugi wa Thiongo.”
Kiptum passed away last month in a tragic road accident that also claimed the life of his Rwandese coach Garvis Hakizimana.
The 24 year-old was also awarded the 2023 Sports Journalist of the Year (SOYA) trophy which was presented to his by the cabinet secretary.
Ababu Namwamba also promised that they will continue to celebrate him in life and in death.