Colleagues, Kenyans mourn Kiplagats demise

The death of former Athletics Kenya (AK) President, Isaiah Kiplagat, who passed away on Wednesday morning triggered a nationwide outpouring of messages of condolences from former colleagues and through social media platforms.

A Sports Administrator by profession, Kiplagat was born in 12th November 1944 and has been a vital figure in Kenya’s athletics for decades, serving as the AK President since 1992 and IAAF Council Member since 1999 before his provisional suspension in November, 2015 over allegations of corruption and subverting anti-doping procedures before ultimately stepping aside to concentrate on his campaign for vice presidency of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Thousands of tweets and Facebook posts streamed in immediately the news broke, as each reflected on the impact Kiplagat had in shaping the image of Kenyan athletics.

“One thing that should be accepted unanimously is that Isaiah was the founding father of modern athletics; the way we see it today,” Athletics Kenya (AK) senior vice-president in charge of competitions, Paul Mutwii told Citizen Digital.

He credited him for pioneering the development of modern structures in athletics that are still operational and that have gone a long way in getting the country global recognition in the world of athletics.

“We send our condolences to his family as he was not only a father to his family but also to the Athletics Kenya.”

“I would like to send my sincere condolences to the family of the veteran Isaiah Kiplagat. He was an icon at the Athletic Kenya Federation, a federation he has served for so many years with pleasure and willingness,” AK Assistant Treasurer, Dimi Kisalu recalled.

He has been a friend and a mentor to most of us in the federation and I hope the Lord rests his soul in eternal peace and also bless his beloved family.”

Recollecting his personal experiences with the deceased, Baringo AK Chairman, Barnaba Kitilit said Kiplagat adored athletics, was a visionary leader and almost single-handedly laid the foundations of the sport’s success.

“I opposed his re-election in 1996 but then he came looking for me in person; I accepted his ideals and worked hand in hand with him since then. He was a straight forward man, hardworking and a very firm. He stood by his words and every decision he made. I remember when he visited Baringo and promised to donate KSH5million that would be used to build a training Camp in the county as a tribute to Paul Tergat,” Kitilit stated.

“It’s unfortunate that he will not be there to see who succeeds him after the elections. He was vibrant in spirit and he will be missed dearly. May God rest his soul in eternal peace.”

Below are sampled tweets and Facebook posts after the veteran sports administrator took a final blow from cancer, which he’s battled for years.

“RIP Sir, you served the nation for the Bst, kenya and kenyans are proud having you that short time.my condolence to Isaiah Kiplagat family.” Ben Mwas Kaniu ‏@KaniuMwas tweeted.

“RIP isaiah Kiplagat your work was commendable to the youth fraternity.” Surae Amos ‏@AmosSurae.

“RIP Isaiah Kiplagat, u carried Kenyan flag proudly as a youth, but ran Athletics Kenya terribly.” Raphael Kioko ‏@Kioko001.

“We’ve lost a brave true champion and a leader. My heartfelt condolences to the family & friends of Isaiah Kiplagat.” Bobby Vj™ ‏@Bobby_Vjoe

“Isaiah kiplagat used AK like is own personal property, became a millionaire was also chairman of Eveready & Post Bank Kenya!” George rai ‏@raioptima.

Additional reporting by Edward Mokuah, John Njuguna, Geoffrey Mwamburi, John Kyanda.