Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui: The Kenyan Climber Who Dreamed of Conquering the Explorers Grand Slam

The mountaineering community mourns the loss of Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui, a distinguished Kenyan climber who tragically perished while attempting to summit Mount Everest without the aid of supplemental oxygen.

During a poignant funeral service held at Chepterit Primary School in Nandi County, Cheruiyot's teammates from the Ultra Runners Kenya Club shared insights into his ambitious dream of becoming the first Kenyan to achieve the prestigious Explorers Grand Slam, a feat that requires conquering the seven highest peaks on each continent and reaching both the North and South Poles. The well-attended memorial service featured framed photographs of Cheruiyot atop various mountain summits, serving as a testament to his passion and accomplishments. The Chepterit community gathered to pay their respects, remembering him not only as a beloved member of their hometown but also as a true son of the mountains.

Cheruiyot's former teachers at Chepterit Primary School fondly recalled his humble and dedicated nature as a student, and his legacy continues to inspire those who knew him. Cheruiyot's determination and thirst for greatness were evident in his aspirations. Peter Muhia, a close friend and fellow member of the Ultra Runners Kenya team, revealed that Cheruiyot's ultimate goal extended beyond scaling Everest without supplemental oxygen. He dreamed of becoming the first Kenyan and one of the few Africans to complete the Explorers Grand Slam. Having already triumphed over Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, Cheruiyot had set his sights on conquering five more mountains before journeying to the Earth's farthest points: the North and South Poles.

The world's grandest peaks beckon intrepid adventurers, from the majestic Everest in Asia to the towering Kilimanjaro in Africa and the renowned Denali in North America. South America's Aconcagua and Antarctica's Vinson Massif offer their unique challenges, while Europe's Mount Elbrus and Australia's Mount Kosciuszko provide diverse tests of skill. The most technical ascent of this global expedition is Indonesia's Carstensz Pyramid, a true measure of mountaineering prowess. Cheruiyot's mountaineering colleagues honour him as a courageous and dedicated athlete whose passion inspired those around him. Muhia, speaking on behalf of the family, explained the decision to leave Cheruiyot's body on Everest's summit, citing the dangers involved in retrieval efforts.

Muhia recounted their record-breaking ascent of Mount Manaslu in Nepal the previous September, where they became the first Africans to reach the summit over 8,000 meters high without supplemental oxygen or a guide. Born in 1984 to Ruth and Wilson Kenduiywo, Cheruiyot was the second of five children. His mother, overcome with emotion during the memorial service, honoured her son as a "unique individual," expressing her belief that the Almighty had welcomed him into His care. Cheruiyot's father praised him as a self-assured and determined person whose passion for mountaineering had earned him respect. Cheruiyot's colleagues at the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) remembered him as a hardworking team member who inspired others to perform at their best.

Caroline Wanjeri, the Director of the Mortgage Division at KCB, conveyed the CEO's message of condolence, describing Cheruiyot as an exceptional performer whose substantial contributions to the bank's growth had earned him the prestigious Simba award. Cheruiyot joined KCB in 2009 as a management trainee and rose to become a senior relationship manager for corporate mortgages before his untimely passing. Cheruiyot's impressive mountaineering and endurance feats were well-documented, having successfully scaled numerous high-altitude peaks and completed over 50 marathons and several ultra-marathon events.