Family of Gervais Hakizimana, Coach to Kiptum, Disputes Autopsy Findings

 

File image of Kelvin Kiptum's Coach Gervais Hakizimana

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Autopsy conducted on Gervais Hakizimana, coach of late marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum, at Eldoret Hospital.

• Pathologist confirms Hakizimana's death resulted from head injury, consistent with police report on car accident.

• Hakizimana's family disputes autopsy findings, citing inconsistencies in injuries observed.

• Family demands government investigation into Hakizimana's death.

• Survivor Sharon Kosgei recounts Kiptum losing control of vehicle on Eldoret-Ravine road.

• Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba emphasizes need for better athlete protection in North Rift.

• Hakizimana's body to be flown to Rwanda for burial.

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Family Of Kiptum's Coach Gervais Hakizimana Rejects Autopsy Results

Strong emotions filled Eldoret Hospital on Friday during the autopsy conducted by pathologist Dr. Benson Macharia on Gervais Hakizimana, coach to the late world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.

Dr. Macharia's findings confirmed that Hakizimana, a Rwandese marathon trainer, succumbed to a head injury, aligning with the police's assessment of the car accident.

"His cause of death was intracranial bleeding resulting from a head injury consistent with the accident's circumstances. Fractures in the neck and head support the accident report," stated Dr. Macharia.

However, Hakizimana's family contested the autopsy, claiming inconsistencies between the injuries described and their observations of him immediately after the tragedy.

"Our examination did not reveal any fractures. Hence, we dispute this report," expressed the deceased's niece, Sandrine.

The grieving family demands a government inquiry into Hakizimana's demise.

"We urge authorities to investigate further as we find the post-mortem report unsatisfactory," Sandrine added.

Meanwhile, survivor Sharon Kosgei recounted to Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge that Kiptum, driving at the time, lost control on the Eldoret-Ravine road.

Kosgei provided a comprehensive statement at Iten Police Station in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba emphasized before the National Assembly Sports Committee that Kiptum's death underscores the need for enhanced protection for athletes in the North Rift region.

Hakizimana's remains will be transported to his homeland, Rwanda, for burial.