The Kenyan athletics community is grappling with profound grief following a troubling series of unexplained deaths of prominent athletes in just one week. The latest athlete to tragically pass away is Clement Kemboi, the 2015 African Games champion in the 3000m steeplechase.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Commissioner Peter Mulinge confirmed the devastating news, stating that Kemboi’s body was discovered hanging from a tree at St. Patrick Boys High School grounds in Koisungur village, Iten, on Monday morning.
“The local chief alerted us about a body found suspended from a tree,” Mulinge reported. Upon inspection by police, it was determined that Kemboi’s body was in an advanced state of decomposition, with his right leg having been partially consumed by dogs.
Mulinge further explained that the circumstances surrounding Kemboi’s tragic death remain mysterious, as no note or indication was left to provide any context. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and Kemboi’s remains have been transferred to Iten Referral Hospital’s mortuary for an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death.
Clement Kemboi first gained recognition in 2015 when he emerged victorious at the Africa Games as a teenager. His athletic career flourished, leading him to his first major international win in 2011 at the Weltklasse in Biberach, where he clocked a personal best of 8:34.22 in the 3000m steeplechase.
Over the years, Kemboi continued to shine on the global stage, achieving a remarkable 8th place ranking worldwide in men’s steeplechase following his victory in 2015. He was often compared to the legendary Ezekiel Kemboi due to his impressive performances.
In 2016, he recorded his personal best time of 8:10.65 during the Doha Diamond League. The news of his sudden death has reverberated throughout the athletics community, prompting leaders to convene to address this shocking loss.
Kemboi’s death is part of a grim pattern, as it follows the passing of Kipyegon Bett, the 2016 World Athletics U-20 800m champion, who died at the age of 26 from kidney and liver failure at Tenwek Hospital in Bomet County, where he had been receiving treatment.
Additionally, former marathon runner Samson Kandie succumbed to injuries sustained during an attack at his home in Uasin Gishu County, passing away at Real Hospital in Eldoret. The athletics community is left to mourn these tragic losses while seeking answers amid the grief.