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Former world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has for the first time, opened up about the unwarranted attacks he received from Kenyans on social media accusing him of being involved in the murder of the late Kelvin Kiptum.
Five-time Berlin Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has opened up about how the social media attacks concerning the late Kelvin Kiptum’s death affected him and at some point, he feared for his life and that of his family.
The 39-year-old, in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport Africa, explained that he was shocked to see people on social media attacking him. The late Kiptum, the current world marathon record holder, lost his life in a tragic road accident in February and fans on social media did not give Kipchoge a break.
Kenyans on X (Twitter) especially, accused Kipchoge of being involved in the murder of the young talent who was only 24 years old.
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"I was shocked that people (on) social media platforms are saying 'Eliud is involved in the death of this boy'. That was the worst news ever in my life.
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"I received a lot of bad things; that they will burn the (training) camp, they will burn my investments in town, they will burn my house, they will burn my family. It did not happen but that is how the world is,” Kipchoge said.
He admitted that the first thing he wanted to check on was if his family was okay and he started making calls. He explained that he got really scared of my children going to school and coming back.
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At the time, he explained that his kids would ride their bicycles around but they had to stop them and they would be a bit more careful.
"My worst moment was (when) I tried to call my mum. She told me 'Just take care' and 'A lot has been going on'.
"Where I come from is a really local area. And with the age of my mum, I really realised that social media can go everywhere. But she gave me courage. It was really a tough month,” Kipchoge said.
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The four-time London Marathon also admitted that the online abuse caused sleepless nights and hindered his performance at the Tokyo Marathon where he finished 10th.
"When I was in Tokyo I had three days which I did not sleep. It was my worst-ever position,” Kipchoge explained.
Follow the Pulse Sports Kenya X (Twitter) handle for more news.
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