By Remmy Butia
The nation is mourning the loss of former Chesumei Member of Parliament, Elijah Kiptarbei Lagat, who passed away on Tuesday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Eldoret.
At the time of his death, Lagat was serving as a board member of the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse Authority (NACADA), a role in which he continued his long-standing commitment to public service.
Lagat’s political career began in 2007 when he was elected to Parliament as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) representative for the then Emgwen Constituency. He later transitioned to the Jubilee Party and, following the creation of the new Chesumei Constituency, made history by becoming its inaugural Member of Parliament after winning the 2013 general election.
Before his foray into politics, Lagat was celebrated on the global stage as an elite athlete. He secured his place in sporting history by winning the prestigious 104th Boston Marathon in the year 2000, a victory that cemented his status as a Kenyan sporting legend.
Born on June 19, 1966, Lagat’s life was marked by significant achievements in both the athletic and political arenas. Tributes from colleagues, constituents, and the sporting community have begun pouring in, remembering him as a dedicated leader and a national hero.
Further details regarding his funeral arrangements are expected to be released by the family in the coming days.
