The four men who visited the home of marathoner Kelvin Kiptum prior to his untimely death have given an explanation of their visits to the Elgeyo Marakwet residence.

They were called and interrogated on Wednesday morning at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations office in Kaptagat.

They claimed they visited Kiptum’s home to talk with him about a contract for Sh45 million that he had inked with a Chinese business.

Following the explanation, the police said they had nothing to do with the local accident that claimed the lives of Kiptum and his coach.

The four men said that Kiptum had chosen to back out of the agreement and repay the Chinese corporation.

They informed police that the firm was simply interested in the athlete fulfilling his contractual obligations and not in a legal battle, so they sent the four to negotiate a deal.

The Chinese corporation was supposed to furnish Kiptum with sporting equipment for the Chicago marathon, however it is alleged that Kiptum chose to use a different brand rather than the Chinese brand as agreed.

Elgeyo Marakwet County Criminal Investigations Officer Joshua Chelal stated that the four are not currently related to the accident based on the preliminary explanation.

“They have explained what and why they went there. Investigations are ongoing and they will come back on Friday if needed,” he said.

Kiptum’s father, Samson Cheruiyot, spoken of four strangers who came to the athlete’s home in Chepsamo village, Kaptarakwa ward, Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet, four days before his terrible death, and urged that they be probed because they did not introduce themselves properly.

ALSO READ: KCSE student collapses and dies after exam