Nearly a year after the tragic death of celebrated athlete Kelvin Kiptum, his father, Mzee Samson Cheruiyot, continues to mourn his loss while facing mounting struggles. In an emotional interview, Mzee Cheruiyot revealed the difficult living conditions he and his wife endure and accused Kiptum’s talent agent, Mark Corstjens, of withholding the late athlete’s finances.
A Family in Struggle
Mzee Cheruiyot lamented that his family’s quality of life has deteriorated since his son’s passing. He described a leaking kitchen roof that worsens during rainy seasons and a lack of basic furniture in their home. “The rain carries all our sufurias. Milk spoils most of the time since we do not have a fridge. We do not even have proper chairs to sit on,” he said.
He also revealed that the health insurance his son had provided for them expired in December, leaving him and his wife vulnerable during illnesses. “When we fall sick, we do not know how to handle it. We are at the hands of God now,” he shared.
Despite their hardships, Mzee Cheruiyot expressed gratitude for the installation of a borehole, which has solved the family’s water issues. “We now have plenty of water, and for that, I am thankful,” he said.
Accusations Against Kiptum’s Agent
The grieving father accused Mark Corstjens, Kiptum’s agent, of neglecting the family while allegedly focusing on supporting Kiptum’s widow, Asenath Rotich. Mzee Cheruiyot claimed that despite his repeated pleas, Corstjens has not released funds or offered sufficient assistance to the athlete’s parents.
“I gave them Kiptum in good faith. Let them eat Kiptum’s sweat and blood. If he were alive to see this, it would be a shock to him,” he said, expressing his frustration.
The Agent’s Defense
In response to the accusations, Corstjens denied withholding funds and insisted that his company, Golazo, is working to support Kiptum’s family. He revealed that the Kelvin Kiptum Foundation had been established to fulfill the late athlete’s dreams, support his family, and nurture young talent.
“We created a foundation to ensure that Kelvin’s family, including his widow and children, have a bright future. We are also working with Mzee Cheruiyot to explore where he needs help,” Corstjens said. He added that the family’s pain over Kiptum’s passing might be clouding their perspective on the help they are receiving.
Rumors About Family Tensions
Previously, rumors surfaced that Mzee Cheruiyot had chased Kiptum’s widow and children from their matrimonial home. However, Mzee Cheruiyot dismissed the claims, stating that Asenath had left of her own accord a month after Kiptum’s death.
Hope Amid Grief
As the family continues to grapple with their loss, Mzee Cheruiyot hopes for resolution and support. “If there is a God, He will do something,” he said, holding on to faith during these challenging times.
The story of Kelvin Kiptum’s family highlights the struggles some families face after losing a loved one and the complexities of managing legacies left behind. Whether through dialogue or intervention, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved.
