The National Heroes’ Council has announced plans to construct a social center in Elgeyo Marakwet County to honor Kenya’s marathoner, the late Kelvin Kiptum.

Speaking in Iten, a Heroes Council member, Hussein Kadida, stated that at the center, the youth will be taught how to use sports to promote harmonious coexistence.

Kadida explained that since people from different backgrounds come to Iten to train, this center could be used to foster peace by combining sporting activities with peace-building initiatives.

Meanwhile, the Council’s CEO, Charles Wambia, stated that they have made plans and will sign a memorandum of understanding with the county government of Elgeyo Marakwet on areas of collaboration in the construction of the center.

Wambia called on the National Treasury to increase funding to the Council to enable them to go around the country and honor people who have contributed positively to society, saying this would help inspire the youth.

Also Wamabia presented a certificate and medal from the Head of State the late widow of Kiptum, Asenath Rotich.

Governor Wisley Rotich thanked the Council for recognizing and honouring peace builders within the county saying this has given them more energy to promote peace.

“We should have other Kenyans from different communities who have excelled in various sectors like sports, business, and agriculture being honored to inspire our young people,” he said.

Kelvin Kiptum died on 11^th February 2024 in a road accident together with his coach Rwandese Gervais Hakizimana.

At the time of his death Kiptum was the reigning men’s marathon world record holder after he ran 2.00.35 during last year’s Chicago Marathon.

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