The tranquil neighbourhood of Elgon View in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, was shaken following the brutal murder of retired marathon champion Samson Kandie.
The 53-year-old athlete, renowned for his remarkable performances in the 2002 Sapporo and 2004 Vienna marathons, was discovered severely beaten and bound outside his residence.Photo: courtesy of Kenyans.co.ke
Kandie’s daughter, Vienna, shared the distressing details leading to the discovery of her father’s body.
At exactly 7:30 p.m., Kandie spoke with his mother in his final call, revealing that he was on his way home. However, when he failed to arrive hours later, concern grew within the family.
A mysterious voice on the phone urged them to check behind their home’s toilet, where they tragically found Kandie’s lifeless body.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving the community in deep mourning.
The motive for this shocking attack remains unclear, prompting local authorities to initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kandie’s death.
Kandie’s legacy as a celebrated athlete, including a personal best of 2:08:31 at the 1999 Berlin Marathon, has now been overshadowed by this violent incident.
His passing raises critical questions about the safety of athletes in Kenya, especially those who have previously brought pride to the nation.
Fellow athlete Ezekiel Kemboi voiced his outrage over the inadequate protection afforded to sports figures, pointing out the need for improved security measures for athletes.
As public concern grows, community members are calling on the government to take swift action to ensure the safety of athletes, particularly amid rising crime rates targeting those who have achieved fame and financial success in their careers.
Investigations into this tragic incident continue, with the community left grappling with the implications of such violence against a revered sports figure.
By Nairobi