Moving tributes as Tanui's son is laid to rest

Legendary athlete Moses Tanui and his wife Sylvia Tanui during the funeral service of the two-time Boston Marathon's son Job Kiptoo yesterday. Sylvia is the late Kiptoo's step-mother. [Stephen Rutto, Standard]

Two-time Boston Marathon Moses Tanui's son Job Kiptoo was laid to rest in Sugoi, Uasin Gishu County on Tuesday in a send-off attended by a host of legendary athletes.

Kiptoo, who was popularly known as Kibu died in Canada on October 25 following a short illness. He was aged 29.

The deceased was a student in a foreign country at the time of his demise.

Tanui, the director of Eldoret City Marathon said in his eulogy that he had lost an industrious son.

"Your youth lives on through the spirit of the Eldoret City Marathon, which is dedicated to the youth, to pursue their dreams, to be diligent and steadfast in the journey of life," an emotional Tanui wrote.

Monica Tergat, the wife of two-time 10,000m Olympic silver medallist Paul Tergat, told mourners how Kiptoo grew up with her family during Tanui and Tergat's prime in track and road racing.

"He was another son to our family. Tanui and Tergat were training mates and we lived together under one roof on several occasions in and outside the country," Monica, who represented the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) President, said.

She added: "The news of the passing of Kiptoo was shocking. We treasure the beautiful memories. Kibu was a peaceful child."   

The 1992 3,000m steeplechase Olympic silver medallist Patrick Sang and four-time world champion Ezekiel Kemboi were among legendary athletes who joined Tanui's family during the funeral.

The late Kiptoo's family described him as, like his father Tanui, an athletics enthusiast.

He also had interest in machinery and had worked as plant operator at Uasin Gishu County Government before leaving for Canada.

"During his high school days, he is remembered as a top football striker, unbeatable in Cross Country and 200m in his class," his family said in their tribute.

Kiptoo, a third born in his family, joined Mohawk College in Hamilton, Canada, two years ago.

Governor Jonathan Bii and Uasin Gishu County Assembly speaker Philip Muigei were among regional leaders who attended the burial ceremony.