Kenya has been hit by the tragic loss of three great athletes in recent days: Samson Kandie (who died last Thursday), Clement Kemboi (on Monday) and Kipyegon Bett (on Sunday). The strange circumstances surrounding these deaths, which occurred in the Rift Valley, raise many questions about the safety and well-being of athletes in the country.
The deaths of Samson Kandie (who won the San Sebastian Marathon in 2001, the Hokkaido Marathon (Japan) in 2002 and the Vienna Marathon in 2004), Kipyegon Bett (who won the 800m World Championships in 2017) and Clement Kemboi (who won the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2015 African Games) have sent shockwaves through the athletics and sports community. Although details about the causes of their deaths are unclear, these events highlight the challenges faced by Kenyan athletes, including emotional and psychological problems, as well as often difficult living conditions and a lack of security from robbers and extortionists.
The Rift Valley, known for its rich history in athletics, has been the birthplace of numerous champions, but also faces social and economic problems. Athletes, who represent Kenya’s hope and pride, sometimes find themselves in precarious situations, which can lead to tragic consequences. These deaths have sparked calls for better care for athletes, including requests for psychological support programs and improvements in living conditions. Sports and government organizations are under pressure to implement measures to protect the health and well-being of athletes, especially in a country where sport is often seen as a path to success.
THE STRANGE CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH DEATH
Sunday’s loss of Kipyegon Bett, in particular, resonated deeply in the international sports community. He was 26 years old and died at Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, where he had been admitted a week earlier after being unwell for a month and vomiting blood due to damage to internal organs. He was considered an exceptional talent.
Kandie had died on Thursday night at his home outside Eldoret, after a brutal attack by robbers who seriously injured him in the legs and arms and left him lying behind his house. The attackers escaped taking only his mobile phone.
As for Clement Kemboi, he was found dead in Iten town and, according to Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge, Kemboi is suspected of having committed suicide, as he had previously tried to take his own life. Investigations indicate that the 33-year-old athlete had sold most of his properties and had become involved in gambling, which led him to a deep depression after the end of his sporting career. Kemboi’s body was found tied to a tree on a farm belonging to St. Patrick’s School, in a forested area. His state of decomposition suggests he had been dead for over a week.
As Kenya continues to evolve as a world power in athletics, these tragedies serve as a reminder that success should not obscure the harsh realities athletes face. The need for a strong support system is more urgent than ever, to ensure that events like these are not repeated in the future.