14 March 2024

• Kelvin Kiptum was killed along with his coach Gervais Hakizimana in a road accident a month ago.

Veteran gospel artist Owen Mwatia popularly known by his stage name Daddy Owen has shared his wish to have a monument put up in honour of he late Kenyan marathoner Kelvin Kiptum.

This comes shortly after the 'Vanity' hit-maker traveled upcountry to pay his respects to the fallen 24-year-old Kenyan long-distance runner famed for being the only person in history to finish a marathon in less than 2:01:00.

Using his Instagram page, Owen shared how he was surprised to find a multitude of people gathered where the late athlete had died to pay their respects.

It is important to note that Kelvin Kiptum died a little over a month ago, hence Owen's fascination and surprise upon finding people at the accident spot.

The musician noted that due to the immense respect and love shown for the 24-year-old, a monument should be put up in his honour.

"Had to pay homage to Kelvin Kiptum, visited the spot the accident happened, found so many people taking photos and videos as well, a monument should be erected to commemorate this athletics hero," wrote the 42-year-old father of 2 while sharing a video showing him at the crash site.

In the said video which Daddy Owen could be heard saying, "Had to pay homage to our hero man...hii ndio place alidai, rest in peace, rest in peace hero," before saluting.

Bouquets as well as a few pieces of clothes and pictures of Kiptum could be seen well-placed on the ground where the marathoner crashed. In a tree at the site, there were posters of Kiptum as well as a pair of shoes.

Kiptum, who shot to fame after breaking the marathon world record in Chicago last year, was laid to rest in his hometown of Chepkorio in north-west Kenya. Kiptum was killed along with his coach Gervais Hakizimana in a road accident.