Former two-term Chesumei Member of Parliament, Elijah Kiptarbei Lagat, has died while receiving treatment at Eldoret Hospital.
Lagat had earlier risen to global prominence through his victory at the 2000 Boston Marathon, cementing his place among Kenya’s celebrated long-distance runners.
According to preliminary reports, the former legislator’s death follows a short illness.
During his political career, Lagat first entered Parliament in 2007 representing Emgwen Constituency under the ODM banner.
Following the creation of Chesumei Constituency ahead of the 2013 elections, he successfully contested and became the first MP for Chesumei under the Jubilee Party.
He served until 2017.
Within Parliament, Lagat held leadership roles including Vice Chair of Labour & Social Welfare, Chair of the Sports Sub-committee, Vice Chair of Catering & Health Services, and Chair of the Health Services Sub-committee.
Outside politics, he remained active in public service. Until his death, he served on the board of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
Nandi County Governor Stephen Sang led tributes, calling Lagat both a national hero and committed public servant whose legacy would live on in both his legislative and athletic achievements.
We await an official statement from his family confirming further details.
