NAIROBI, Kenya — Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has revealed how his life was shaken by false accusations circulating online following the tragic death of fellow Kenyan marathon star Kelvin Kiptum.
Kiptum, the marathon world record holder, died in a car crash on February 11, 2024, alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana in the Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet–Ravine road. Police reports indicated that the accident occurred around 11 p.m., with both men dying instantly due to the impact of the crash.
Social Media Rumours and Threats
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Kipchoge said misleading social media claims falsely linked him to the fatal accident, triggering threats against him and his family.
Speaking in a video shared on the Engage Talk YouTube platform, the marathon legend recalled the moment he first learned of Kiptum’s death.
“One day, I went to training in the morning. When I arrived at our gate, the guard told me Kelvin Kiptum had died in an accident with his coach,” Kipchoge said.
He described being shocked by the news and briefly retreating to his home before checking his phone moments later.
“When I opened my phone, social media was everywhere saying Eliud killed Kiptum through a road accident. I was really down down to my knees,” he recounted.
Personal and Family Impact
Kipchoge said the online rumours quickly escalated into serious threats, forcing his family to alter their daily routines for safety.
His children, who previously biked to school, had to stop doing so due to security concerns.
“My wife started dropping them at school because of a lot of threats around the estate and the whole community,” he said.
The accusations also took on a tribal dimension, something Kipchoge said was particularly painful given his longstanding stance against ethnic divisions in Kenya.
“For the last 20 years, I have never been tribal… but because I am a Nandi, people discussed that this is the man who kills people,” he said.
Support and Resilience
Despite the turmoil, Kipchoge said he found comfort in the fact that most of his children were shielded from the controversy, particularly his daughter who was studying at Kapsabet Girls High School at the time and was largely unaware of the rumours due to restrictions on mobile phone use in schools.
He also credited his mother for encouraging him during the difficult period.
“She told me a lot is going on, but take heart these things will pass,” he said.
The experience, Kipchoge added, taught him profound lessons about truth, resilience, and the value of genuine friendships, noting that only a small number of people stood by him during the crisis.
Focus on Inspiring the World Through Sport
Looking ahead, Kipchoge said he remains committed to using athletics as a platform to inspire people globally.
“What I have achieved, I don’t brag about. My aim is to change the life of a human being to change over three billion people’s lives through running and through sport,” he said.
The marathon icon said he plans to travel across continents in the coming years to promote the positive impact of sport and encourage people to remain steadfast even in the face of adversity.
