𝗥𝘂𝘁𝗼'𝘀 𝗗𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗶 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿 & 𝗞𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗺'𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲

By Derrick kubasu

Hello and welcome to a brand new week of the Evening Brief Newsletter where we are saddened by the demise of a fast-rising record-holder Kelvin Kiptum.

But first, the Dubai Affair

Yet again, President William Ruto has flown to Dubai, direct from his Tokyo engagement, where he is expected to attend the World Governments Summit (WGS).

Ruto was invited to deliver a 10-minute address on Government Acceleration and Transformation. 

According to the Summit's official website, the speech to be held at 1.0 Plenary Hall will take place between 10:30 and 10:40 am on Tuesday, February 13. 

The theme for this year's summit is “Shaping Future Governments” with different governments, international organisers and leaders taking part in the conversation. 

According to WGS, the event started on Sunday, February 11, with an opening session led by Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, of the International Monetary Fund and Fahad AlTurki, Director General Chairman of the Board, of the Arab Monetary Fund. 

On Monday, the event started officially with Mohammad AlGergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, UAE and Chairman of the World Governments Summit delivering opening remarks on the Government Acceleration and Transformation theme. 

In total, there will be over 200 speakers who will deliver their addresses during the Summit. 

Ruto flew directly to Dubai from Tokyo in Japan, where he had gone on an official visit to boost his investment. After several days of hobnobbing, the Head of State and his team secured a total of Ksh350 billion to finance his administration's upcoming projects.

Kelvin Kiptum Heartbreaking Departure

On Monday morning, Kenyans collectively awakened with somber news that the fast-rising marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum was no more.

A police report we obtained indicated that the athlete, who was behind the wheel, passed away after his car veered off the road and landed into a ditch hitting a tree. His coach Gervais Hakizimana who was a passenger in the vehicle also passed away on the spot while a lady in their company was rushed to hospital for treatment.

"Upon reaching the location of the accident, he lost control and veered off-road entering into a ditch on his left side.  He drove in the ditch for about 60 meters before hitting a big tree," read the police report in part.

"As a result, Kelvin Kiptum and Gervais Hakizimana died on the spot whereas Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei escaped with serious injuries and was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment."

Saddening was the fact that the 24-year-old died at his prime while preparing to break another world record at the upcoming Rotterdam Marathon.

His colleague Eliud Kipchoge eulogised him as a star who had a whole life ahead of him and was destined to achieve incredible greatness.

He said, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the Marathon World record holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum. An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness. I offer my deepest condolences to his young family. May God comfort you during this trying time."

President William Ruto, on the other hand, celebrated him as one of the world’s finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record.

"He was only 24 yet, as a hero, triumphed in Valencia, Chicago, London and in other top competitions. His mental strength and discipline were unmatched. Kiptum was our future." he stated.

"An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark on the globe. Our thoughts are with the family and the sporting fraternity. Rest In Peace."

A Father's Pain

Kiptum's father Samson Cheruiyot termed his death as a blow to the family noting that he was the only child and now leaves behind a young family.

Cheruiyot further indicated that four days before Kiptum's death, he received a strange visit from four individuals who refused to identify themselves.

"Kiptum was my only child. Now he has left me and my grandchildren. I do not know what to do. If the government can, it should help us. We are stuck now with no one who can help us," he stated.

His final conversation with Kiptum had taken place on Saturday night and involved plans to build a house.

"On Saturday night, I talked to him and he told me that he would go to Fluorspar and return home. When he returned, he told me that a man (a white man) would come to build us a house. He also told me that he would run for 1 hour 58 minutes (in the upcoming race) because he felt his body was in great shape."

His Chicago world record he made in October after running for 2:00:35 was last week ratified by the World Athletics.

Here are five other stories to stay updated on national events;

1. Citizen TV suspended veteran News anchor Swaleh Mdoe from air after failing to read the 1pm bulletin on January 23.

2. Former Nairobi County Finance Officer ordered to forfeit Ksh114 million cash in the bank, a maisonette, four apartment blocks worth millions and two pieces of land to the state.

3. Gender Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aisha Jumwa and her Public Service counterpart Moses Kuria clashed in public over plans to pay artists through eCitizen. Ezekiel Mutua also joined the fallout.

4. Citizen TV cancels show, Shamba la Wanyama, after airing just one episode.

5. Kenyans to show proof of Ksh5 million before being awarded an investment certificate by the Kenya Investment Corporation.

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This newsletter was written by Derrick Kubasu and edited by Brian Muuo.

Washington Mito contributed to the content.

Graphics prepared by Adongo Kyalo and Ronnie Mbugua.