Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge found himself entangled in a web of false accusations and online abuse in the wake of the tragic passing of rising star Kelvin Kiptum.
Kiptum, a promising athlete who posed a potential challenge to Kipchoge's dominance in marathon, lost his life in a car crash at the age of 24 on February 11, 2024.
The misinformation began to circulate on social media platforms, suggesting Kipchoge's involvement in Kiptum's untimely demise.
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Speculations of a conspiracy emerged, fueling baseless claims that Kipchoge played a role in Kiptum's death.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Kipchoge expressed his shock and dismay at the unfounded allegations, labelling them as the 'worst news ever' in his life.
"I was shocked that people on social media platforms are saying 'Eliud is involved in the death of this boy. That was my worst news ever in my life," Kipchoge said.
The online vitriol escalated quickly, with threats directed not only at Kipchoge but also at his family and personal property.
Kipchoge recounted his ordeal, detailing the menacing messages threatening to harm his loved ones and destroy his investments.
"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," he said.
The 39-year-old two-time Olympic champion refrained from taking legal action despite his concerns for his family's well-being.
Instead, he focused on ensuring heightened security measures for his family, including escorting his children to and from school to minimize potential risks.
The toll of the online abuse weighed heavily on Kipchoge, particularly its impact on his mother, whose safety he could not guarantee amid the widespread dissemination of false rumours.
"My worst moment was when I tried to call my mum. She told me 'just take care' and 'a lot has been going on'," Kipchoge recalled.
Adding that; "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."
Despite the adversity he faced, Kipchoge remained steadfast in his commitment to his sport and his principles.
Refusing to succumb to the pressure, he opted to stay active on social media, viewing the decision as a testament to his innocence rather than an admission of guilt.
"If I delete my accounts then it shows that there is something I am hiding," he asserted, reaffirming his determination to confront the baseless accusations head-on.
Kiptum's death
World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum died alongside his Rwandan coach in a grisly car along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road on February 11, 2024.
The 24-year-old athlete was driving the ill-fated vehicle heading towards Ravine when the accident occurred.
Eliud Kipchoge found himself on the receiving end of Kenyans' wrath on February 12, 2024, after penning a heartfelt tribute to deceased athlete Kelvin Kiptum.
Taking to social media, Kipchoge said he was deeply saddened by Kiptum's tragic death, terming it untimely.
He described Kiptum as a young athlete who had his whole life ahead of him.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the Marathon World Record Holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum.
"An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness," Kipchoge wrote as he condoled with Kiptum's young family.
"I offer my deepest condolences to his young family. May God comfort you during this trying time."
However, the tribute was not received well by a section of Kenyans, who faulted the athlete for failing to, publicly, congratulate Kiptum after he broke his world record.
