Court refuses to halt Kiptum burial over paternity claim

The high court in Eldoret has rejected a request to halt the burial of World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum, brought forth by a 22-year-old woman claiming to have a child with the late runner.

Justice Wananda dismissed the petition filed by Edna Owuor, represented by her lawyer Joseph Oyaro, seeking to halt the burial.

Owuor alleges that she shares a one-year and 7-month-old child with the deceased and their rights may be compromised if the burial proceeds.

Owuor, accompanied by the child, appeared in court to prevent the scheduled burial, contending that she had not been involved in the funeral arrangements. She also sought DNA samples from the body to confirm paternity.

Justice Wananda noted that the burial arrangements had been ongoing for some time, incurring substantial costs, and it would be unjust to impede the interment.

More details to follow...