Why family of late Kiptum's coach Hakizamana rejected autopsy results

The family of the late Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizamana who died alongside world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum rejected an autopsy report citing inconsistencies.

The two perished on February 11 in a road tragic road accident in the Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road.

A report from government pathologist Benson Macharia revealed that Hakizimana died as a result of a head injury.

The report was consistent with a police report on the car accident.

“He died of intracranial bleeding due to head injury which is consistent with head injuries. The neck and head had fractures, which are consistent with the accident report,” Macharia said.

According to the family, the nature and degree of the injuries are inconsistent with the initial appearance of their kin moments after the tragedy.

“When we viewed him, he did not have fractures at all. We therefore reject this report," Sandrine Hakizimana, the coach's niece said.

“We want investigations commenced as we are not satisfied with the post-mortem report,” she added.

The family now wants the government to launch a thorough probe into it. Earlier, the family had refused to divulge the report to the public.

The body of Hakizimana is set to be airlifted to Rwanda today.

Hakizimana’s family said when his body reaches Kigali on Saturday, it will be taken to the Kacyiru Police Hospital mortuary before heading to his sister’s home in Masaka, Kicukiro District where a vigil will be held on Monday.

The programme also includes a church service at Kabuga Catholic Church, before he is laid to rest at Rusororo cemetery on February 21.

The late Hakizimana was born in Nyaruguru District, Southern Province.

He made a significant impact on Rwandan athletics as an athlete and as a coach.

Kiptum is set to be interred at his home on February 24.

Preparations are currently ongoing, with a flurry of activities being witnessed at the homestead on Friday.