.Collins Kipkemboi was scheduled to accompany Kiptum and his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizamana, on a journey to Eldoret on Sunday
.Kipkemboi said that Kiptum had assured him of accompanying him to Eldoret town to catch the Sunday evening English Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa
.Kipkemboi delay was attributed to his awaiting financial assistance from Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo
Nineteen-year-old Collins Kipkemboi was scheduled to accompany Kiptum and his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizamana, on a journey to Eldoret on Sunday. However, he postponed the trip due to expecting handout from his local Member of Parliament, a decision that may have ultimately preserved his life.
Kipkemboi said that Kiptum had assured him of accompanying him to Eldoret town to catch the Sunday evening English Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa. However, Kipkemboi delay was attributed to his awaiting financial assistance from Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo. As the MP was engaged in a church service, the duo decided to proceed without him.”
Kipkemboi stated that Kiptum invited him to join them in Eldoret, but he lacked sufficient funds for transportation. Consequently, he waited patiently to approach Mr. Kimaiyo, seeking an additional KSh100 to cover the remaining cost of his journey to Eldoret.
Due to a delay of over five hours, Kipkemboi mentioned that Kiptum forwarded him a sum of KSh300.
“I was eyeing a KSh100 handout from our Keiyo South MP who normally gives locals handouts after a church service but since Kiptum was in a hurry, he sent me KSh300 via MPesa as fare to Eldoret so that I could join them after the church service,” said Kipkemboi.
Having received KSh100 from the MP, Kipkemboi began getting ready to depart for Eldoret. However, he got a text from Kiptum instructing him not to embark on the journey but instead to wait at the Small town in Chepkorio Centre. They planned to watch the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) final together at Kiptum’s home area.
Armed with that knowledge, he returned to his residence, anticipating his friend’s arrival at Chepkorio later that evening to enjoy the game together.
At approximately 11 pm, while at Chepkorio witnessing the Afcon final, Kipkemboi received a phone call from his brother who conveyed the news of the athlete being in a road accident.
With the company of their Fellow Collegues they hurried to the location, only to discover the aspiring marathon runner and his trainer lifeless.
Kipkemboi characterized Kiptum as a benevolent companion who consistently stood prepared to assist both his friends and the community.
“This nice T-shirt that I am wearing was given by Kiptum. Talk to any youth from the Chepkorio center and you will hear good testimonies about the generosity of Kiptum,” said Kipkemboi.
The young individuals at the Chepkorio center praised the deceased Kiptum as a modest, sociable, and benevolent individual. He consistently showed care for their well-being and was always willing to share his possessions, irrespective of his standing.
