Ex-Chesumei MP and Boston Marathon champion Elijah Lagat dies

Former two-term Chesumei MP and celebrated marathoner Elijah Kiptarbei Lagat has died while undergoing treatment at the Eldoret Hospital.

The 2000 Boston Marathon winner and retired long-distance runner passed away on Tuesday, marking the end of a distinguished career in both athletics and public service.

His family is expected to issue an official statement on the loss.

Lagat, who first came to global prominence after his stunning win at the Boston Marathon, was among Kenya’s most decorated marathoners in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

He represented the country in multiple international competitions, cementing Kenya’s reputation as a powerhouse in distance running.

Following his athletic career, Lagat transitioned into politics and was twice elected as a Member of Parliament for Chesumei Constituency.

 During his tenure in Parliament, he was praised for championing dialogue and inclusivity while representing his constituents.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang led tributes to the late Lagat, describing him as both a national hero and a committed public servant.

“It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that we have learned of the passing of Hon. Elijah Lagat, former Member of Parliament for Chesumei Constituency and a celebrated national hero,” Sang said in a statement.

“Hon. Lagat was a distinguished leader whose legacy will be remembered not only in the halls of Parliament, but also in the hearts of the people he served with dedication and humility. As a legislator, he was deeply committed to dialogue and inclusivity. He led with wisdom, always engaging in wide consultation to ensure that the voices of his constituents were heard, respected and represented,” he added.

The governor also highlighted Lagat’s international athletic achievements, recalling his famous win in Boston as a source of national pride.

“Beyond politics, Hon. Lagat made Kenya proud on the international stage. His remarkable victory at the 2000 Boston Marathon remains etched in our history. His achievements as an athlete elevated Kenya’s name globally, inspiring a generation of sportsmen and women across the country,” Sang noted.

Until his demise, Lagat was serving as a board member of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), where he played an active role in the fight against drug and substance abuse.

Governor Sang conveyed condolences on behalf of Nandi residents, saying:

“On my behalf and the people of Nandi County, I extend our deepest message of condolences to his family, friends, the people of Chesumei and all Kenyans who mourn this great loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Lagat’s death has been received with shock across the sporting and political fraternity, with many remembering him as a man who bridged two worlds, sports and leadership, with equal passion.