Security authorities in Elgeiyo Marakwet are conducting investigations into the untimely death of Hosea Kiplagat, a Kenya marathoner based in Peru.
Kiplagat reportedly collapsed and died while walking home from a shopping center in Iten on Monday evening. The incident occurred as he was accompanied by his one-year-old son.
Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge stated that they received a report about the incident from the area assistant chief.
According to Mulinge, eyewitnesses mentioned that Kiplagat sat down, complained of chest pains, and subsequently passed away.
Kiplagat, who was in the country for a short holiday before returning to Peru for a race scheduled in April, had arrived two months ago from Peru.
His brother, Anderson Kemboi, shared that Kiplagat was in the process of completing his house in Iten before heading to Kapsait Athletics Training Camp in Kapsowar, where he usually trained.
The sudden death of Kiplagat, who had been in good health with no prior complaints, has saddened his family. He is survived by a wife and child.
His body is currently at the Iten County Referral Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Fellow athletes who have expressed condolences described Kiplagat as a hardworking and good-natured individual.
Judith Korir, the 2022 World Marathon silver medalist, noted that Kiplagat trained with her in Kaptagat before both of them shifted to Kapsait.
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