Kenyans call out Eliud Kipchoge for not congratulating Kelvin Kiptum
Kenyans on KOX (Twitter) are calling out former Marathon World record holder Eliud Kipchoge for not congratulating Kelvin Kiptum, who smashed the marathon world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon and nearly became the first person to breach the two-hour mark.
The Kenyan completed the course in 2:00:35 to beat the previous record held by Kipchoge, which was set in Berlin a little over a year ago, by 34 seconds.
Also read: Nairobi MCA wants street renamed after marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge
Soon after obliterating the record, the 23-year-old said he felt happy for his actions.
“I feel so happy. I was prepared, I knew I was coming for a course record, but fortunately [it was], a world record,” Kiptum said in a post-race interview.
Now KOX is wondering why Kipchoge has yet to congratulate his colleague nearly 48 hours later.
The last time Kipchoge posted anything on social media was on October 4, 2023. He shared a picture of himself and captioned it, “Enjoying my days off at home in Kenya.”
The drama online started with Alfred Koech-Sergent, a Kenyan based in Australia, who posted a message from a follower he identified as Kigen, questioning Kipchoge’s silence, and there was no shortage of response from Kenyans.
“Hello Alfred, Eliud Kipchoge should have congratulated Kelvin Kiptum for breaking his world record. 24 hours, after, no mention on his page with 1M followers. I have been a huge fan of Eliud since 2004. It’s unsportsmanlike (sic) to ignore Kelvin’s performance…” the message read.
His followers flooded the comment section with mixed reactions, with some agreeing with Kigen’s sentiments while others defended Kipchoge’s silence.
Also read: How fraudster used Eliud Kipchoge to swindle lover
Here are some of the reactions.
With the emergency of Kiptum, the defeat of Kipchoge in the races he has dominated for years is not far from the horizon. As I had advised @EliudKipchoge a few days ago, know WHEN to EXIT the stage. The time is now. Let your advisors tell you the truth. pic.twitter.com/poZe0TwZT4
— Lord Abraham Mutai (@ItsMutai) October 10, 2023
Eliud Kipchoge wamesema ni Uncle Ruckus in Kalenjin land eh!!!
— Research Consultant (@Rube_Mfalme) October 10, 2023
If I were Eliud Kipchoge I would congratulate Kelvin Kiptum ASAP juu if KOX lands on you, they don't care about your GOAT status. You'll be cooked.
— Africa (@IgweLEVY) October 10, 2023
Also read: The day Eliud Kipchoge blamed his defeat on an ear problem
While others defended him.
I am seeing a lot of Kenyans working hard day and night trying to push an unnecessary agenda concerning Eliud Kipchoge. Congratulating someone doesn't have to be on social media for everyone to see,neither is it a compulsory act. We are all proud of Kelvin Kiptum and Eliud 🇰🇪 pic.twitter.com/2ZsXDX6ytw
— 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 (@CliveUTD) October 9, 2023
From the Chicago marathon events it’s clear that kumbe watu huchukia Eliud Kipchoge low key partly because he has been suffering from success.I don’t know an elite sportsman who doesn’t have their dark side or shitty personality be it Michael Jordan,Christiano,Djokovic,Phelps…
— Mbiti Mwondi MD (@mbiti_mwondi) October 10, 2023
Calm your nerves. Eliud Kipchoge may have postponed congratulating Kelvin Kiptum, but that doesn’t mean he’s entitled to do so. But how does that affect you or agriculture in Mesopotamia, or even the Palestinian Israel conflict? Concentrate on healing your Ls you guy!
— Kaysparks (@Kaysparks_) October 10, 2023
Also read: Eliud Kipchoge’s simple diet: Mursik, ugali and beans