Cheruiyot Kirui: Parents Of Kenyan Mountaineer Say He Developed Climbing Interest At Tender Age

• The tragic disappearance of Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui, a revered mountaineer, has left a void in the hearts of many, particularly his family in Chepterit village
• As they grapple with the loss of their adventurous son, they reflect on his remarkable journey and the passion for climbing that ignited within him at a young age
• Wilson Kenduywo, Kirui's father, fondly recalls their last conversation, just weeks before his son's ill-fated attempt to summit Mt Everest without supplemental oxygen

Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui, a celebrated mountaineer admired by many, was on the cusp of achieving a historic feat before tragedy struck.

When did Kirui last talk to his parents?

His parents, who reside in Chepterit village, Nandi County, reminisced about their son's remarkable journey.

The doting parents highlighted his passion for climbing, which began at a tender age.

His father, Wilson Kenduywo, recalled their last conversations.

According to him, Kirui expressed his aspirations of becoming the first African to summit Mt Everest without supplemental oxygen.

"Three weeks ago, we talked. He called and asked if I could set up WhatsApp so we could communicate better," Kenduywo shared with NTV.

Kirui's brother delivers devastating news

However, hopes turned to despair when Kirui's brother delivered the devastating news of his disappearance while summiting Mt Everest.

Ruth Kenduywo, Kirui's mother, recounted the agonising moments, clinging to the hope of his safe return as he embarked on the final stretch of his ascent.

Kirui's affinity for climbing dates back to his childhood, when he scaled trees in his parents' compound, a testament to his innate passion for adventure.

"He started by climbing trees. We had Cypress and Blue Gum trees in our compound, and he would climb to the top," his mother reminisced.

Despite the inherent risks, Kirui's family acknowledged his proficiency in mountaineering and commitment to safety measures.

Kirui's family was looking forward to his triumph

"It was his hobby, and he felt successful because he had climbed many mountains around the world," his father affirmed.

Kirui's impressive mountaineering exploits included scaling Mt Kilimanjaro and venturing to the Alps, where he embarked on a challenging six-day climb.

His family anticipated his triumphs with pride, envisioning the recognition it would bring to Kenya on the global stage.

"It would have brought great recognition to the country because he would have proudly said he was from Kenya," expressed Kenduywo.

"I believe he was the only Kenyan aiming to bring such honor to our nation," he added.

Kirui admits climbing without supplemental oxygen is risky

While getting fixated on his plan to scale without supplemental oxygen, Kirui admitted it was a risky business.

He was alive to the fact that most mountaineers who had embraced the no-oxygen challenge did not end it alive.

Still insisting on the climb, Kirui was aware he suffered from High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), which would be worsened by the ascension to higher altitudes.

Cheruiyot Kirui's dare-devil climb of Everest

• The Kenyan who set himself up for a no-oxygen challenge began ascending the world's highest mountain on May 17.
• All was well until he scaled 8,000 metres above Everest when he went out of contact while in the company of his Nepalese guide.
• Kenyans prayed for Kirui's safety, but that was negated by the discovery of his body just a few metres near the peak of the mountain.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke