Police launch probe of athlete killed in Eldoret

Police in Eldoret have launched a murder probe after Richard Tirop Kessio – a road running specialist – and his friend were killed in a cold-blooded attack on Thursday dawn.

Confirming the incident, Eldoret East OCPD Richard Omanga said their bodies – which were found at Kipkorgot area on the outskirts of Eldoret town – had deep multiple injuries.

According to area residents Tirop who is a three-time Bermuda Marathon winner was in the company of his friend Mathew Kimutai Kemboi at a local pub before leaving for home at midnight.

Tirop won Barbados Marathon in the USA in the years 2010 – 2011, and the Half Marathon in 2012, 2013 and in 2014 as well as the 10 KM race in 2011.

The athlete once named as one of the “2014 Masters Long Distance Runners” by Running Times was predominantly based in the USA before returning to Kipkorgot in 2015.

Athletics Kenya president Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei said he was deeply saddened by the news and urged swift investigations into the incident.

“It’s always shocking to learn of the loss of an athlete. For now we wait for the detailed investigation report so we can establish the cause. In the meantime, we call on all athletes in training areas to take extra care of their security,” he told Citizen Digital.