Former Chesumei Member of Parliament and celebrated marathoner Elijah Kiptarbei Lagat is dead.
Lagat passed away on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, while undergoing treatment at an Eldoret hospital. Reports indicate he had been battling a short illness.
Born in 1966 in Saniak, Nandi County, Lagat rose to global fame in athletics after winning the 1997 Berlin Marathon and the 2000 Boston Marathon, where he clocked 2:09:47 in a dramatic finish. He also represented Kenya at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the marathon.
Following his retirement from competitive running, Lagat turned to politics. He was first elected MP for Emgwen Constituency in 2007 under ODM before later serving as Chesumei MP from 2013 on a Jubilee Party ticket. During his parliamentary career, he chaired and served in several committees, including labour, sports, catering and health.
At the time of his death, Lagat was a board member of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
Leaders from Nandi and across the country mourned his passing, describing him as a humble leader who rose from athletics to politics and dedicated himself to service.
Governor Stephen Sang and Woman Representative Cynthia Muge sent their condolences, with Muge calling his journey “an inspiration to young people who see the power of discipline and resilience.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.
Lagat, 59, is survived by his family.
