Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned the death of retired Senior Assistant Inspector General King’ori and marathon champion Kelvin Kiptum.
In a statement, the former head of state termed Mwangi a man who exhibited great leadership skills, integrity, and dedication to service.
He acknowledged that his professionalism and dedication to service saw him rise through the ranks right from when he joined the Kenya Police Force in 1988 to his retirement in 2022 at his last posting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He served as a provincial police officer in Nairobi, Mombasa and Western.
He also served as the director of operations at police headquarters, police spokesman and the director of Kenya Police Campus in Kiganjo.
Retired Senior Assistant Inspector General Kingori Mwangi died at a Nairobi hospital while undergoing treatment.
Uhuru mourns Kiptum
Uhuru also sent a message of condolence to the sporting fraternity following Kiptum’s death who was the men’s marathon World Record holder.
Kiptum died with his Rwandan coach in a fatal road accident in the Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet – Ravine Road.
The 24-year-old athlete was driving the ill-fated vehicle heading towards Ravine when the accident occurred.
A police report filed at the Kaptagat Police Station detailed the circumstances that led to the fatal accident that claimed the lives of Kiptum and his coach.
According to the police report OB. NO.19 /11/02/2024 seen by K24 Digital, the Chicago Marathon World Record Holder was driving his vehicle registration number KDL 566F Toyota Premio carrying his 37-year-old coach and a 24-year-old female passenger identified as Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei Keiyo.
Police said the trio was travelling from Eldoret heading towards Ravine when they were involved in an accident at Kaptagat Forest at around 11 pm.
The report indicates that Kiptum lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road and plunged 60 metres into a ditch on his left side before hitting a big tree.
Uhuru hailed Kiptum’s achievements notably the World Record he shattered at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, becoming the first man to ever finish a marathon in under two hours and one minute.
“May the Almighty Lord grant both families grace and fortitude during this difficult period,” Uhuru stated.
