Family of Kiptum's coach Gervais Hakizimana rejects autopsy results

Emotions ran high at the Eldoret Hospital on Friday where pathologist Dr. Benson Macharia conducted an autopsy of the late world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum's coach Gervais Hakizimana.

The autopsy report, confirming that Kiptum's Rwandese marathon trainer died as a result of a head injury, was consistent with the police report on the car accident.

“He died of an intercranial bleeding due to head injury which is consistent with head injuries. The neck and head had fractures, which are consistent with the accident report,” stated Dr. Macharia.

The late Hakizimana's family rejected the autopsy report, stating that the nature and degree of the injuries are inconsistent with the initial appearance of their kin moments after the tragedy.

The deceased’s niece Sandrine said: “When we viewed him, he did not have fractures at all. We therefore reject this report.”

The distraught family is now asking the government to launch investigations into the death of their kin.

“We want investigations commenced as we are not satisfied with the post-mortem report,” added Sandrine.

Meanwhile, Sharon Kosgei, the female passenger who survived the accident that claimed Kiptum and Hakizimana, reportedly told Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge that the late world marathon record holder, who was the driver at the time of the accident, lost control of the vehicle on the Eldoret - Ravine road.

Kosgei has reportedly recorded a detailed statement at the Iten Police Station in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

While appearing before the National Assembly Sports Committee, Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba stated that Kiptum’s death is a wake up call for the government to do more in protecting athletes based in the North Rift.

The body of the late Hakizimana will be airlifted to his native country Rwanda, where he will be laid to rest.