In the quiet high-end neighborhood of Elgon View in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, the tranquility was shattered by the brutal murder of marathon athlete Samson Kandie.
On a fateful Thursday night, the 53-year-old runner, celebrated for his victories in the Sapporo and Vienna marathons, was attacked in the safety of his own home, leaving the community in shock and disbelief.
According to police chief Benjamin Mwanthi, Kandie was ambushed by assailants who seemed to have been lying in wait for him.
The incident, which occurred late at night, escalated into a violent confrontation that resulted in Kandie’s tragic death.
Authorities reported that he was found with his hands and legs bound, indicating a premeditated assault.
Disturbingly, the only item taken was his mobile phone, suggesting that the motive behind the attack was not robbery.
Before the incident, Kandie had lived a relatively low-profile life, and according to him, he had not expressed any fears for his safety.
However, his daughter, Vienna Kandie, recounted the moments leading up to the tragedy.
She recalled her father’s phone call, during which he informed her he was on his way home.
When he failed to arrive, the family grew concerned.
In a chilling turn of events, a stranger contacted her mother, urging her to search behind the toilet.
There, they discovered Kandie’s lifeless body, a scene that would forever haunt his family.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Kandie was pronounced dead on arrival, his promising life cut short.
Known for finishing on the podium at the prestigious 1999 Berlin Marathon with a personal best time of 2:08:31, Kandie’s legacy in the running community is undeniable.
The news of his murder rippled through the athletic community, igniting outrage and sorrow. Renowned athletes, including Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi, voiced their distress over the incident.
Kemboi lamented the rising number of attacks against athletes in the region and called upon the government to enhance security measures for runners.
He emphasized that while the region has produced numerous champions, the lack of safety was an alarming issue that needed urgent attention.
As police continued their investigation, the hunt for Kandie’s killers was underway.
Mwanthi assured the public that every effort would be made to apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime.
The investigation would involve scrutinizing the scene, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses in hopes of shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Kandie’s death.
The loss of Samson Kandie not only represents a tragic end to a life filled with accomplishments but also underscores the urgent need for improved safety for athletes in Uasin Gishu County.
As the community mourns, the hope remains that justice will be served and that measures will be taken to prevent further tragedies in the future.
