Some Kenyans not happy Eliud Kipchoge is yet to publicly congratulate Kelvin Kiptum after breaking his record

Kiptum shocked the world when he won the marathon in 2hr 0min 35sec beating compatriot Eliud Kipchoge's previous mark by 34 seconds making the reality of a human running a marathon in under two hours a dizzying reality.

After Kiptum's shock victory, Kenyans trooped to the internet to congratulate the neophyte, heaping praises on him for bringing the glory home and breaking a record that had hitherto appeared unbreakable.

President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua led Kenyans in celebrating Kiptum's achievements, with Ruto labelling him the 'new King of Marathon.'

"Kelvin Kiptum has written a new chapter in Marathon history, winning the Chicago Marathon in a majestic, staggering and mind-boggling time of 2:00:35," Ruto wrote on X (formerly Twitter). 

"He becomes the first human being to break the 2:01 barrier in competitive running. Congratulations, Kelvin, a new King of the Marathon."

On his part, Gachagua wrote, "What an astounding race by Kelvin Kiptum to break the World Marathon Record during the Chicago Marathon on Sunday." 

"Lowering the record set by the legend Eliud Kipchoge is just stupendous. This is superb."

Kipchoge, the legendary marathoner whose record was broken, however, appeared suspiciously silent, not saying a single word on his social media platforms even as Kenyans eagerly expected him to send out a congratulatory message and comment on the developments.

Minutes turned into hours and then into days as Kenyans waited for Kipchoge to publicly send his celebratory tweet aimed at Kiptum, as a show of good sportsmanship and an embrace of nationhood.

Tired of waiting, one X user Kipsoiwet said, "24 hours later, the former record holder Eliud Kipchoge has not yet congratulated Kelvin Kiptum for breaking the Marathon World Record! But nikiongea mtasema niko na issues. Acha Mungu aamue hii kesi..."

One user commented, saying, "Mean and envious Kipchoge! "No human is limited indeed!" Nonesense... Congratulations so many times Mr. Kiptum! Go for that 1:59 now, we shall be there!"

Another user agreed, saying, "I mentioned it somewhere that the country is silent to make noise about this, because it's not Kipchoge. Hongera Kiptum! Remember that name!"

On his part, user @karuticarbron wrote, "It's standard procedure for former record holders world over to congratulate the record breaker and wish them well. It happens in all competitions, even in Guiness World Records. Kipchoge's failure to publicly comment on the Kiptum win is not just bad for his PR but also setting a very dangerous sporting precedence."

A few Kenyans, however, saw no malice in Kipchoge's silence, saying that he wasn't obligated by any law to issue statements to the public regarding any matter.

"Leave Kipchoge alone! He will always be our GOAT! There is no law that says that he has to congratulate the new guy in town. On his last tweet, he told you that he was enjoying his days off at home. Give that man a break!" X user Gathoni Wanjau said.