Jalang’o: Give athletes State Security

Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor said that elite athletes who represent the country should be treated as Very Important Persons (VIPs) and given state security.

While addressing the Kenyan Parliament on Tuesday, Odiwour who is popularly known Jalang’o asked the government to launch a detailed probe into the death of the World Marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum and establish the cause of the accident.

“Even as we mourn the death of Kelvin Kiptum, having listened to what his father said, I think there should be a thorough investigation into what caused the accident,” said Odiwour.

“We need and request that our athletes be treated as VIPs and should be accorded state security. All our elite athletes who represent the country and bring the accolades are always celebrated and immediately they are forgotten.”

Kiptum passed away on Sunday night in a grisly road along accident at Kaptagat on the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road.

Kiptum died on the spot alongside his Rwandese coach, Gervais Hakizimana in a grisly road accident on Sunday along Eldoret -Ravine road in Keiyo South Sub-County, Elegyo Marakwet County.

The female occupant, Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei sustained injuries and was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for treatment and was later discharged while the two bodies were ferried to Racecourse Hospital Mortuary in Eldoret awaiting autopsy.