Exclusive: Silent Struggles - Inside the Heartbreak And Hardship of Kelvin Kiptum’s Parents

The tragic loss of Kevin Kiptum, the world marathon champion, in a fatal road accident has left his family in deep grief and financial turmoil.

Samson Cheruiyot and his wife, Rebecca Kiptum, are struggling to cope with not only the emotional pain of losing their son, but also the financial burden that has been placed on them in the wake of the tragedy. Despite the government's promises of support, the family claims they are facing neglect and are left to fend for themselves.

The Devastating Loss of a Champion

Kevin Kiptum, widely regarded as one of the greatest marathoners of his generation, tragically lost his life in a road accident earlier this year.

The 24-year-old was a beacon of hope for his family, his community, and his nation, after achieving remarkable feats on the international stage, including his world-record breaking marathon performances.

His success had not only brought him fame and recognition, but it had also provided his family with a sense of security, as Kiptum was the main financial provider.

Kiptum’s father, Samson Cheruiyot, recalls the pride and joy his son brought to their family. “Kevin had big dreams, and he was on his way to achieving more greatness.

He made us proud not just in Kenya, but around the world,” said Cheruiyot. However, his tragic passing has completely upended their lives, leaving his parents to confront a future without their son and without the financial stability he provided.

A Promise from the Government: House, But No Real Support

In the wake of Kevin’s death, the Kenyan government stepped in with a gesture of goodwill, offering to build a house for the Kiptum family in honor of their son’s legacy.

The gesture was meant to show appreciation for Kevin’s achievements and offer some relief to his grieving parents. However, for Samson and Rebecca Kiptum, the construction of a house is not enough to address the financial hardships they are facing.

Samson, speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com voiced his frustration with the government's actions. “They promised us a house, and yes, they built it. But where is the real support? We have not received any financial help or long-term support to help us get back on our feet. We are still struggling to make ends meet,” - late Kevin Kiptum father, Cheruiyot.

Rebecca Kiptum, Kevin’s mother through SportsBoom.com, echoed her husband’s sentiments. “We are grateful for the house, but it doesn’t help with our daily struggles. Since Kevin was the breadwinner, we now have no source of income. We are struggling to even meet basic needs. We need help from the government, not just gestures,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion.

For a family that had relied heavily on Kevin’s earnings, the situation is dire. Kevin had been expected to continue building his career and provide a better future for his parents, who had sacrificed so much for his success.

Instead, they are now left to navigate life without him, and the promise of a new house offers little comfort when they are struggling to cover medical bills, food, and other living expenses.

The Struggle Continues: A Plea for Financial Assistance

Samson and Rebecca Kiptum are not alone in their cries for help. Many families of athletes in Kenya, particularly those who rise to prominence on the world stage, often face similar struggles once their children are gone. The Kiptums’ plight highlights the vulnerability of many families who rely on the achievements of their children to support them financially.

Despite the government’s promise to honor Kevin’s memory, Samson Kiptum emphasized that the government’s efforts to help have fallen short of what they had hoped for. “We need more than just a house. We need real support, like a pension for our son’s achievements, and a way to secure our future,” he said.

In his emotional appeal, Kiptum addressed the lack of long-term care for families of athletes. “We see it with other families too, once the athlete is gone, they are forgotten. We are left with nothing. The government should create a system that helps the families of sportsmen after they are gone.”

The Kiptum family is calling on the Kenyan government to provide not just financial aid, but also long-term support systems for families who lose their loved ones in tragic circumstances. They are asking for policies that would ensure a dignified life for parents who sacrificed so much for their children to excel.

As the Kiptums continue to mourn Kevin’s death, they are holding onto the hope that their cry for help will not fall on deaf ears. With the memory of their son’s achievements still fresh in their hearts, they hope that the Kenyan government will not only honor his legacy but will also ensure that his family is taken care of in their time of need.

“Kevin’s success was not just his own, it was the whole country’s pride. We want the government to remember that and help us,” Samson Cheruiyot said, his voice tinged with both sorrow and hope.