Cheruiyot Kirui: Kenyan climber’s body to remain on Mt Everest

Climbing Everest, the world’s highest peak, is considered extremely difficult and risky, even for experienced climbers.

Kirui was trying to become the first African to climb Mt Everest without extra oxygen, accompanied by Nepali climber Nawang Sherpa.

Mr Sherpa is still missing.

In a statement on Wednesday, Kirui’s family said they had taken the “difficult” decision to let his remains rest on the mountain after wide consultations and “careful consideration of all the circumstances”.

“Retrieving his body from that high up would be risky for the rescue team, the family does not wish to endanger any life,” it said.

“Cheruiyot had a deep love for the mountains and they loved him in return. We find solace in knowing that he is resting in his happy place,” it added.

The family, however, said there will be memorial services in the capital Nairobi and in his Chepterit village, in Rift Valley region.

There have also been concerns about the cost of retrieving his body to be buried back home.

It would have cost about $190,000 (£150,000) to retrieve the body and it takes about eight people to scale up the mountain to carry out the mission.

Most families who lose their loved ones on Everest prefer to leave them there.

It is estimated that the bodies of nearly 200 of the 330 climbers who have died on the world’s highest mountain remain there.

The climb by Kirui, a banker, had been closely followed in Kenya, and fellow climbers had posted frequent updates about the attempt online.

Before his fatal climb, Kirui had told the BBC that he had undergone extensive physical preparations ahead of the challenge.

In his latest Instagram post, he had expressed confidence that he could conquer Everest without additional oxygen.

He however told the BBC that he had emergency oxygen support from Mr Sherpa and an emergency evacuation cover in case he ran into difficulties.

Most people climb Everest in April and May when weather conditions are most favourable.

Four climbers have reportedly died so far this season, which ends in a few days.