Fans have showed support for two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge after he shared the agony he endured following social media trolls that linked him to Kelvin Kiptum’s death.
Kenyans have offered support to marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge after he opened up on the fears for his life and that of his family following wrongful links to the death of Kelvin Kiptum.
Kipchoge was the subject of social media attacks when he was trolled for days following Kiptum’s death through a road accident that also claimed the life of his coach Gervais Hakizimana.
An emotional Kipchoge explained how the trolling took its toll on him and his family, forcing him stay vigilant while keeping his loved ones safe, and it also had an effect on his 10th place finish at the Tokyo Marathon.
Following the revelations, Kenyans online have rallied behind the marathon great, offering him support over the predicament.
“Eliud Kipchoge and Kiptum were competitors. It’s unimaginable that Kipchoge would have gone to the length of the social media accusations to eliminate the competition. We let a legend down,” one user observed.
“Guys you treated our champion badly. He is broken. I hope Eliud Kipchoge will forgive us for betraying him,” another one posted.
“Eliud Kipchoge crying on a live BBC interview when explaining how Kenyans wrongly linked him to the death of Kelvin Kiptum. Kenyans should apologize to Eliud Kipchoge and his family.”
“Losing close to 90% of your friends due to unsubstantiated claims and trolling is the worst form of betrayal. I empathize with Eliud Kipchoge.”
Kipchoge also received support from his fellow athletes with 2015 world javelin champion Julius Yego among them.
“Cheer up Eliud Kipchoge, take heart. I know it is tough to take it but all is well. Be safe champ,” Yego posted.
Some Kenyans feel the trolling was directed at the wrong person when there are other major problems to complain about in the country.
“The conspiracy theory energy Kenyans have when someone dies should be directed towards those who steal taxes that deny you healthcare, education, good roads and employment. The hate against Eliud Kipchoge is one of the lowest moments we have sunk as a society,” another one commented.
“In this 21st century! Some primitive Africans still believe in superstition, black magic, witchcraft to the extent of accusing Eliud Kipchoge of killing marathoner, Kelvin Kiptum (who died in road accident here in Kenya). A superstitious society is a retrogressive society,” was the observation of another Kenyan.
