“She Will Be Cursed Her Entire Life”: Kelvin Kiptum’s Dad Accuses Widow of Fleeing with Son’s Cash After Burial

Family Dispute Erupts Over Estate of Late Marathon Champion Kelvin Kiptum

The death of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum on February 11, 2024, has left a profound void in the athletics community.

However, beyond the grief, a contentious dispute has emerged within his family, centering on allegations made by Kiptum’s father, Mzee Samson Cheruiyot, who has accused his son’s widow, Asenath Rotich, of abandoning the family home and allegedly taking off with Kiptum’s money shortly after his burial.

Allegations and Family Tensions

In a recent interview, Mzee Cheruiyot refuted claims that he and his wife forced Asenath out of her matrimonial home in Naiberi, Uasin Gishu County.

He asserted that Asenath left voluntarily shortly after Kiptum’s burial, first relocating to Kipkorgot before eventually moving to Nairobi.

Expressing his anguish, Mzee Cheruiyot lamented:

“The wife of my child will be cursed her whole life… If God is really present, let her live. When he died, she did not even finish a month here; she left. Let her leave and eat our son’s money alone. We will cry to God only.”

Kelvin Kiptum’s wife, Asenath Rotich, was overcome with grief during his burial.

Government’s Swift Intervention

Following Kiptum’s untimely death in a road accident, the Kenyan government moved quickly to honor his legacy and support his family.

President William Ruto personally oversaw the construction of a new home for Asenath and her children in Naiberi, completing the project within seven days.

Additionally, the President pledged to secure employment for Asenath to ensure financial stability for her young family.

President Ruto emphasized Kiptum’s contributions to Kenya’s global recognition in athletics, underscoring the state’s moral obligation to care for his loved ones.

However, the ongoing family dispute has cast a shadow over these efforts, raising concerns about the unity of Kiptum’s family and the distribution of resources meant for their welfare.

A Family Divided

Further complicating the situation, 22-year-old Edna Awuor has come forward, claiming to have been in a relationship with Kiptum since 2019.

She asserts that they lived together and had a daughter, who was one year and seven months old at the time of his passing.

Seeking legal recognition for her child, Edna filed a petition to delay Kiptum’s burial until a DNA test could confirm paternity.

However, the High Court in Eldoret dismissed her application, citing the advanced stage of burial preparations.

In December 2024, Edna visited Kiptum’s family home in Naiberi, where she shared photos of her child with Mzee Cheruiyot. The visit fueled speculation about Asenath’s absence, as Edna’s daughter was seen spending time with Kiptum’s father.

As the first anniversary of Kiptum’s death approaches, Edna continues to mourn publicly, sharing heartfelt tributes to the late athlete.

Legacy Overshadowed by Disputes

The ongoing conflicts have cast a pall over Kiptum’s legacy, exposing the delicate balance between grief, inheritance, and family ties in the wake of his tragic passing.

For now, Mzee Cheruiyot’s words linger heavily: “She will be cursed her entire life.” Whether this is a cry of pain or a foreboding warning, only time will tell.