Two years after the world mourned the tragic death of marathon prodigy Kelvin Kiptum, a heartbreaking domestic crisis has erupted at his home in Chepkorio. The late athlete’s father, Samson Cheruiyot, has publicly confessed he is struggling to pay school fees for Kiptum’s child, revealing a deep family rift that threatens to tarnish the legend's memory.

Speaking at the gravesite—which remains shockingly uncemented despite government promises—Mzee Cheruiyot painted a picture of abandonment. He claims that since Kiptum’s widow, Asenath Rotich, moved to Rotterdam in 2024, the communication lines have been cut, leaving him and his wife destitute and unable to care for Kiptum’s child born out of wedlock with Edna Awuor.

A Family in Tatters

The accusations are grave. Cheruiyot alleges that the management company, Golazo, which guided Kiptum to world record glory, has turned its back on the parents. "We are suffering," he lamented, "Sijui tufanye nini (I don't know what to do)."

• The Grandchild: The child in question, born to Edna Awuor, was acknowledged by the family, yet the financial support needed for education has evaporated.
• The Widow: Cheruiyot claims Asenath has not visited them since her departure, despite the government gifting her a house, creating a chasm between the two sides of Kiptum's family.

The Unfinished Grave

Perhaps the most visceral symbol of this neglect is Kiptum’s final resting place. Two years on, the grave of the man who ran the fastest marathon in history is still an earthen mound, waiting for the cement and honor it was promised. It is a stark contrast to the global accolades Kiptum received in life.

“We didn’t just lose a son; we lost our shield,” Cheruiyot told the press. As the world moves on, the family left behind is grappling with a reality that is far from the podium finishes and prize money that defined Kiptum’s short but meteoric career. The plea is simple: do not let the family of a national hero beg for survival.