In a recent development, the Eldoret High Court has declined to intervene in the burial arrangements for world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, despite a court case initiated by a woman claiming to be the mother of his child.

The court firmly denied the woman's request to suspend the burial, affirming that the funeral proceedings will proceed as scheduled.

The 22-year-old woman had filed an application seeking to halt the burial, citing her alleged parenthood of the marathoner's child. However, her plea was dismissed by the court.

Through her legal representative, the woman argued that proceeding with the burial would infringe upon the child's rights and claimed exclusion from the funeral arrangements.

Additionally, she petitioned the court to authorize DNA testing to ascertain the paternity of the child, a plea which was also rejected.

The judge, while rejecting the application, emphasized the lengthy duration of the burial preparations and the potential financial losses incurred by halting the proceedings.

Kelvin Kiptum is slated to be laid to rest on Friday, February 23, in a funeral accorded state honors, sanctioned by the cabinet and expected to be attended by dignitaries including Head of State William Ruto.

Earlier on Thursday, the marathoner's body commenced its journey from the morgue in a funeral procession bound for Eldoret town, where a public viewing ceremony will be held.

Subsequently, the procession will proceed to a church for a funeral service before making its way to Kiptum's residence in Naiberi, Iten.

It's worth noting that Kelvin Kiptum's burial follows closely after the interment of his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, who was laid to rest in his native Rwanda. The Kenyan government contributed Ksh5 million to Hakizimana's family in support.