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Sports Cabinet Secretary Hon. Ababu Namwamba inducts late Kelvin Kiptum to the Hall of Fame
Legislators assures Namwamba of pushing adequate funding to continue recognizing heroes of our national heritage
A ceremony organised to induct former World Marathon holder Kelvin Kiptum to the Hall of Fame evoked mixed emotions from attendees, among them, his family and Members of the Parliamentary Sports Committee.
The event that was held at Talanta Plaza and presided over by Sports Cabinet Secretary Hon. Ababu Namwamba, left the athlete’s widow, his parents and other relatives in tears as speakers showered him with praises.
Hon. Mary Emaase and Hon. Catherine Omanyo, who represented the Committee, said the ceremony brought about emotional memories of the terrible loss of the athlete who had put Kenya on the international map during his short stint in the athletics arena.
“I have been looking at Kiptum’s portrait and seen that he was too young to die. He has however left behind a legacy that cannot easily be erased,” said Hon. Omanyo.
Hon Emaase noted that the death of Kiptum was a blow, not only to the family, but the country and the world at large as she commended the CS for honouring him in death.
“The gesture by Hon Ababu to induct Kiptum to the Hall of Fame is commendable and the programme has full support of the Committee,” said Hon Emaase.
The duo assured Hon. Ababu that the Sports Committee will push to have the Ministry be funded adequately to be able to effectively implement its ambitious programmes that are aimed at improving sports standards and empowering sportsmen and women financially.
“We are aware that the Ministry is starved of funds and as a Committee, we will push for increase of funding to be able to deliver on your mandate,” said Hon. Emaase.
Ababu said Kiptum was the first sports star to be officially inducted to the Hall of Fame, adding that the programme was initiated so as to immortalise legends who have written history for the country through sports.
“This is the beginning of a heritage on how we should immortalise our sports legends,” said the CS.
Keiyo South MP, Hon. Gideon Kimaiyio was among the leaders who attended the function.