The High Court in Eldoret found itself at the center of a legal battle surrounding the burial of world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum. The court was approached by Edna Awuor Atieno, a 22-year-old woman who claims to have a child with the late athlete.
Atieno sought to halt Kiptum’s burial, citing concerns over the rights of their child.
Reports indicate that Atieno’s application was aimed at preventing the burial of Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically lost his life in a road accident.
With the burial scheduled for Friday, Atieno expressed fears that her child’s rights might be jeopardized if the burial proceeded as planned.
However, the High Court delivered a blow to Atieno’s efforts by declining her request to stop the burial of Kelvin Kiptum.
Despite her claims and the potential implications for their child, the court ruled against halting the burial, allowing the proceedings to move forward as scheduled.
This case is not an isolated incident, as similar situations have arisen in the past following the deaths of prominent individuals. It is not uncommon for individuals to emerge at the eleventh hour, asserting connections to the deceased and claiming rights or entitlements.
The emergence of Atieno and her claims adds another layer of complexity to an already tragic situation.
As preparations for Kelvin Kiptum’s burial continue, the legal battle reveals the challenges and complexities surrounding issues of paternity, inheritance, and legal rights, particularly in cases involving high-profile individuals.
