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'Cheruiyot Point' landmark named in honour of first African to almost summit Everest

A recent photo posted by Cheruiyot Kirui while on Mt Everest. (Photo: Facebook/ Cheruiyot AK)

By Bashir Mohammed | Saturday, May 25, 2024

Despite meticulous preparation and an unwavering resolve, Kirui tragically lost his life during the final ascent.

Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak, now bears a poignant tribute to the courage and determination of Cheruiyot Kirui, the first African to nearly summit the mountain without using supplementary oxygen.

The spot where Kirui's body was discovered, at an altitude of 8,800 metres and just 48 metres from the summit, has been named "Cheruiyot Point" in his honour.

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Everest Today, a dedicated organisation that documents mountaineering events in the Himalayas, announced the commemoration.

"Let's call Cheruiyot Kirui's death spot on Mt. Everest (8848.86 m) 'Cheruiyot Point' honouring the first African almost to the summit of Everest without using supplementary oxygen," the organisation stated.

Cheruiyot Kirui, a banker by profession, embarked on this daring expedition accompanied by his Nepali guide, Nawang Sherpa. The duo aimed to conquer Everest's formidable heights without the aid of supplemental oxygen, a feat attempted by few due to the extreme dangers of the "death zone," where oxygen levels are perilously low.

Despite meticulous preparation and an unwavering resolve, Kirui tragically lost his life during the final ascent.

His family reported that radio communication with Basecamp was lost early on the morning of May 22, 2024. Subsequently, a rescue team was dispatched to search for him, and his body was found at a high altitude of 8,800 metres.

Kirui's family expressed their deep sorrow in a statement. "We are all saddened by what happened to our brother Cheruiyot Kirui on Mt Everest. Whereas it is impossible to determine the exact sequence of events, we know that Cheruiyot and his sherpa took a fall."

Everest Today has also suggested that a mountain in Kenya be named "Mt Cheruiyot" to honour Kirui's legacy in his homeland.

"There should be one mountain named after Cheruiyot Kirui, 'Mt Cheruiyot' in Kenya, honouring the first African who almost reached the summit of Everest without using supplementary oxygen," the organisation proposed.

Kirui's death serves as a sombre reminder of the extreme challenges faced by mountaineers. The "death zone," which includes any height above 8,000 metres, is notorious for its life-threatening conditions where the body’s cells begin to die and judgement is impaired due to the scarcity of oxygen.