President Kenyatta mourns ex-World champ Bett

President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence to the family, relatives and friends of former 400-metre hurdles World Champion Nicholas Bett who died today in a road accident.

In his message, President Kenyatta said he was deeply saddened by the death of the athlete who earned the country great honours in his outstanding victories in athletics.

“It is very sad indeed that we have lost one of our shining athletes in a road accident. In this hour of sorrow and grief, I convey my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the late Nicholas Bett,” President Kenyatta said.

The President added: “I join the athletics fraternity in mourning the 2015 World 400m hurdles champion who died through a tragic road accident in Lessos, Nandi County. May God the Almighty comfort the family, relatives and friends of the hero.”

Bett returned to the country yesterday from the continental championships in Nigeria. He was part of Team Kenya that competed at the just-concluded African Athletics Championships in Asaba.

His name hit the international limelight when he won the 400m hurdles finals at the 15th International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Championships in Beijing in 2015 to become the first Kenyan to win a gold medal in short distance races at the world arena.

-Report by PSCU