Burial ceremony of athletics great Bett underway in Uasin Gishu

The burial ceremony of former 400m hurdles champion Nicholas Bett is currently underway at his home in Simat, Kapseret, Uasin Gishu.

Thousands of mourners have thronged the home including Deputy President William Ruto, Lands Cabinet Secretary Farida Karoney , Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago, his Nandi counterpart Stephen Sang and Inspector General Joseph Boinet.

 Other dignitaries are area MP Oscar Sudi and Athletics Kenya president Jacksom Tuwei .

Bett died in a grisly road accident last week.

Yesterday, business came to a standstill as the motorcade transporting the body of the late made its way to Kapseret from the Eldoret Hospital mortuary where his body had been preserved.

Meanwhile, coach Alex Sang has eulogized Bett as a humble soul. “Nicholas was humble, a personal friend, and generally a good guy. He was also a talented athlete at his prime.

“I still can’t believe that he is gone. We were on the same plane to and from Nigeria. May God grant his family strength during this trying moment.”

His close friend, Julius Yego, who is among the mourners said: “I can remember Bett as a good-hearted man, really likable, and a respected figure; very sad for Team Kenya and his brother Aaron for the loss.We have lost a visionary person . My deepest condolences to his wife and family.”