Political leaders, sports fraternity and hundreds of mourners thronged the home of former 400 metres champion Nicholas Bett in Lemook village, Simat in Uasin Gishu county to witness his final journey.
Bett died last week after he was involved in a tragic road accident along Lessos Kapsabet road.
Led by Deputy President William Ruto and other government officials, speakers at the funeral eulogized Bett as a great inspiration to young people in the country.
“Bett will be remembered for hard work and dedication which played a crucial role in athletics,” said Ruto.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa said Bett will forever be remembered for carrying the name of the nation high.
I joined H.E DP @WilliamsRuto&Rift Valley leaders in Eldoret for the Funeral service of Nicholas Bett the current 400m hurdlers world champion .It is sad that we are burying a hero but I’m proud to say that we will always remember Bett even in his death as a hero .#RIPBett pic.twitter.com/OtrtIBjUnc
— Rashid Echesa (@CSRashidEchesa) August 16, 2018
“I’m here on behalf of my family to say pole to the bereaved family. I met Bett in Gold Coast, Australia during the Commonwealth Games where we interacted and became good friends. It is unfortunate that he’s no longer with us. I want to announce here that Bett died a hero. We shall celebrate him even in his death.
He went on: “To the athletes I want to say that I have been a sports person and the shoes that you wear today I have worn before and I know where it pinches.
“I understand the challenges and troubles that you people go through to fly our national flag. Therefore, under my leadership, I want to assure you that we don’t take your effort for granted; we are going to make sure all of you are celebrated in this country. ”
Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei eulogized the late as a highly disciplined and dedicated sportsman.
“Bett was a very disciplined athlete who never indulged in doping. We have lost a hero. On that note, we shall honour Nicholas Bett upon the completion of the Kipchoge Stadium in Eldoret ,”Tuwei said.
During the funeral of world 400m hurdles champion Nicholas Bett at Simat, Uasin Gishu County. pic.twitter.com/V6jY3ExScR
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) August 16, 2018
Steeplechase legend Ezekiel Kemboi was overcome with emotion as he made a moving eulogy of his deceased friend.
“I have been with Nicholas since the time he started his career. I have in been in Team Kenya for more than 20 years and I have been giving him and otherS advice on how to maintain speed in order to win. I have lost a close friend; it is so hard to imagine that Nick is no more,”Kemboi said breaking into tears.