Family of Kenyan athlete who shockingly died in Cameroon appeals for help

By Luttah Njomo

The family of the late athlete Charles Kipsang who died after crossing the finish line at the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope on February 25, is appealing for financial help to fly the body of their kin back to the country to accord him a proper burial.

According to the family who spoke to a section of the media on Sunday, February 3, they are unable to raise the money to airlift the deceased body from Cameroon to his Eldama Ravine rural home.

Besides failing to raise the money to repatriate the body from Cameroon, the family, which is grief-stricken, pointed out that they are financially constrained and are unable to clear other medical bills accumulated in the West African Country.

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The deceased mother revealed that the athlete sold part of their maize harvest to register and book a flight to participate in the race.

"The body is in Cameroon yet right here at home we have nothing. The whole family depended on him," Kipsang's sister, Jepng'etich Kipsang stated adding that the burial plans have been halted.

Addressing the family concerns, Barnaba Kitilit, Athletics Kenya chairperson, Baringo County, indicated that he was unsure if the Foreign Affairs Ministry would help in flying the athlete's body from Cameroon.

Although Kipsang's athletic exploits were not well known to the nation, his widow described him as a champion who endured difficult pieces of training to support his community.

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Isabella Kigen, the widow, noted that she learnt of her husband's death through social media. She immediately called her sister-in-law to confirm the reports.

"She told me that Kipsang was on course to winning the race but while nearing the finishing line, he developed some complications. He received first aid and then continued with the race," she stated.

The distressed family noted that the sudden death had robbed them of a sole breadwinner who supported all his siblings.

They told the media that the deceased participated in over 10 races and fell in the prize money bracket whose proceeds he used to uplift his family.

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"He never used his money! Every coin he won he sent back here to support his siblings and the rest of the family members," his sister stated.

Media reports said he was taken to Buea Regional Hospital but staff there were not able to revive the 32-year-old athlete.

Kipsang reportedly fell ill shortly before crossing the finish line, coming in 16th place in Molyko Stadium. It was his fourth time taking part in the 42-kilometre competition in which he ran in the men’s Senior category.

The race attracted 600 runners from several African countries including Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Chad, Cameroon and Morocco. Nineteen runners from Kenya also took part.

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