What killed the athlete Clement Kemboi?

 

The athletic fraternity is still mourning the deaths of three athletes in a span of a week in Eldoret.

Former 3,000m steeplechase champion Clement Kemboi is the latest athlete to die having been found dead in Iten town early this week.

 

According to the Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge, Kemboi is suspected to have committed suicide. He added that investigations indicate that he had previously attempted to commit suicide.

 

 Mulinge said that investigations also revealed that the 33-year-old athlete had sold most of his property and engaged in gambling to redeem himself.

 

“Reports indicate that he was in deep depression and appeared frustrated after his running career ended,” said Mulinge.

The body of the deceased was found tied to a tree in a farm belonging to St Patrick’s High School.

 

Kemboi won a gold in the 3,000m steeplechase when he represented Kenya at the 2015 All African Games in Congo Brazzaville.

 

He is the third athlete to die in a week following the murder of Samson Kandie in Eldoret and the death of the Under 20 champion in 800m Kipyegon Bett.