The Eldoret High Court has dismissed an application seeking to halt the burial of World Marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, set for Friday, February 23. The application was filed by 22-year-old Edna Awuor Otieno, who claims to be Kelvin Kiptum‘s lover and the mother of his one-year-and-seven-month-old child. Notably, Kelvin Kiptum was married to Asaneth Rotich with whom he had two children.
Edna Awuor through her lawyer Joseph Ayaro sought a court order to stop the burial until her case, where she is seeking recognition for herself and her child as beneficiaries of Kiptum’s estate, is heard and determined. The late Kiptum is scheduled to be laid to rest at his newly constructed home in Naiberi on Friday, February 23.
Edna also asked for a DNA test from Kiptum’s body to prove the paternity of her child.
“I requested the court to determine the paternity of the child to confirm her relationship with the late Kelvin Kiptum. This way, she can rightfully receive the support accorded to his other children.”
Edna Awuor Otieno told NTV Kenya.
High Court Rejects Bid to Block Kelvin Kiptum Burial
Edna Awuor argued that before Kelvin Kiptum’s unfortunate accident, he supported and considered her child as part of his family. However, the family of the late Kelvin Kiptum has not included Edna Awuor and the child in the funeral plans, which has left her unhappy.
But Justice Wananda, presiding over the case, declined to stop the burial. He noted that the state burial arrangements were already at an advanced stage, and that substantial costs were incurred. He emphasized that the burial of the late Kiptum was a matter of public interest.
The Eldoret-based judge also pointed out that Edna has other legal options to confirm paternity for the child’s rights without causing delays in the burial.
Even though the court rejected the application, Edna’s lawyer mentioned they plan to explore other legal avenues.
By Vivian K.