TRIBUTES FOR FALLEN HERO: Former AK boss Kiplagat laid to rest at his home

Thousands of mourners bid farewell to former Athletics Kenya President Isaiah ‘Fundi’ Kiplagat at his home in Kapseret in Uasin Gishu County.

Yesterday’s burial ceremony was a rare moment where active and former world beating athletes converged to give Kiplagat – who served for many years at the helm of Kenyan athletics – a heroic send off.

Light showers pounded the region immediately he was laid to rest in what is traditionally considered a befitting farewell for a hero.

The athletics fraternity and the political class turned up to pay glowing tributes to him, with most of them describing the deceased as a forgiving man.

Britain’s Lord Sebastian Coe, the IAAF President and Hamad Kalkaba Malboum of Cameroon, the Confederation of Africa Athletics President, were among a host of global personalities from far and wide that conveyed their messages of condolences.

Beatrice Ayikoru, the Uganda Athletics Federation Secretary General, said Kiplagat extended his wealth of experience in athletics to them.

“He always received our athletes with open hands. We shall always remember him as an advocate and promoter of athletics in Kenya, Eastern Africa, Africa and the world,” she said.

Newly crowned Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge and four-time world 3,000m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi were among hundreds of elite athletes present.

Governors Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) and Cleophas Lagat (Nandi), MPs Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Elijah Lagat (Chesumei), Stephen Bitok (Mosop), Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini), Elisha Busienei (Turbo) and Authur Odera (Tesa North) were present.

Others were former cabinet minister Henry Kosgey, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, Bungoma senator Moses Wetangula and Benjamin Njoga, the Principal Assistant Commissioner General Kenya Prisons.

Kemboi eulogised Kiplagat as a considerate man, who helped him hone his athletics talent.

“In 2002, I signed contracts with two separate agents unknowing that it was illegal. I thought I was just signing autographs. When I realised the mistake, I called Kiplagat who responded positively and helped sort out the problem,” he said.

Kipchoge (Eliud) described Kiplagat as a man with great leadership skills. “He was a person with sound and decisive mind, who did a lot for this nation,” he said.

Jackson Tuwei, the AK President, said he would strive to continue Kiplagat’s legacy at Riadha House.

“We learned a lot from him and will continue his legacy,” he said.

Dr Kipchoge Keino, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya President, said Kiplagat was a man of steel.

“He had no time for jokes when at work as he was passionate about his job. Kiplagat was a dedicated person who put the name of Kenya on the world map. He helped a lot in developing athletics,” said Dr Keino.

Joan, the widow, described Kiplagat as a husband and a lovely friend.