This is obviously a tragic loss to everyone that knew him, and the wider running community, mostly for the selfish expectation (dare i say it) of greater things from him. Many 24 yo's die every day without acccomplishing what they set out to do.
However, it is totally unsurprising in Africa. As someone with family in Africa, I visit at least once a year. Last year we lost a 24 yo (yes) son of a niece simply because he pulled off into breakdown lane after water temp light came on, and as is the practise with overtaking (or is that undertaking) in that lane, a van hit him whilst he was on the phone to his dad.
In SA the laws are similar to Australia (except for demerit points which will be implemented soon). The problem is that it is totally ignored, fines are unpaid and people still have licence, cops take R200 ($15AUD) falling out of your wallet and wave you on. Speed limit on freeway 120kph, you get sucked into the vortex of everyone wizzing past at 160-200kph , yes even I on my motorbike, and must say it felt exhillarating as I don't get that chance on my bike here.
So all that leads to a fatality rate of 4 per 100K pop in Australia (world's best, I think Iceland at 2), in Kenya it is 28, South Africa 27, and South Africa's inter city roads and mountain passes are better than Australia, save for us having mostly divided freeways, but that's not where the gains are . Its just normal
The car Kiptum was allegedly driving was clearly going at high speed, and even if not an alcoholic, one or two drinks at a function puts you over, add fatigue and there's your mix. Not saying all three factors were there but at least we know high speed was there.
And while we were posting in the last day, probably what? another ten 20 something guys died on the road there.
RIP Kelvin