Pallbearers led by Richard Daw and Yuan Itebete carries the remain of Isaiah Kiplagat during the funeral service held at St Francis Church, Karen on Wednesday.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 31 – The final journey home for former Athletics Kenya boss Isaiah Kiplagat, began on Wednesday in Nairobi with a memorial service ahead of his burial scheduled for Friday.
The requiem service held at St Francis Church, Karen in Nairobi was attended by dignitaries from the sporting fraternity and the government led by Deputy President William Ruto.
Ruto, who eulogized Kiplagat as dedicated successive sports administrator, said the government recognizes and appreciates Kiplagat’s contribution in transforming sports in the country and will be conferred posthumously in recognition of his exemplary service to the nation.
“Under Kiplagat’s stewardship Kenyan athletes brought glory to the country by flying Kenya’s flag high with their exploits on the regional, continental and international arena and therefore he deserves to be honoured with a Head of State accolade,” said Ruto.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Hasan Wario paid a glowing tribute to Kiplagat and challenged the current AK executive to follow in his footsteps and ensure that his legacy lives on.
“Kipagat will not be at peace in his grave if athletics is managed owing to all the efforts he invested in the sport to make it Kenya’s goose of the golden in the sporting arena which has brought glory to the country,” he said.
Former Football Kenya Federation President Sam Nyamweya praised Kiplagat saying he has left an indelible mark in sports and his exploits will live to celebrated and cherished.
DP William Ruto with Joan Kiplagat. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.
A burial ceremony befitting his iconic status is scheduled for Friday at his home in Kapsaret in outskirts of Eldoret town in Uasin Gishu County.
AK CEO Susan Kamau confirmed that AK Headquarters will remain closed for three working days in his honuor, to give their staff time to mourn and celebrate the life of the man who was the main architect of Riadha House and who led the organisation for a record 24 years.
The offices based along Aerodrome Road were closed on Wednesday with normal operations resuming on Monday (September 5th).
