Former 3,000-meter steeplechase champion Clement Kemboi, 33, has been found dead in Iten town, Elgeyo Marakwet County. Police suspect suicide, according to County Police Commander Peter Mulinge.
Mulinge stated that initial investigations revealed Kemboi had previously attempted suicide and had been struggling with severe depression. “Reports indicate that he was in deep depression and appeared frustrated after his running career ended,” said Mulinge.
Further investigations showed that Kemboi had sold most of his property and engaged in gambling in a bid to recover financially. His body was discovered tied to a tree on a farm belonging to St. Patrick’s High School.
“The right leg of the deceased appeared to have been partly eaten by wild dogs,” Mulinge noted, describing the scene.
Kemboi won gold in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2015 All African Games in Congo Brazzaville. However, he is the third athlete to die within a week, following the murder of Samson Kandie in Eldoret and the death of Under-20 champion Kipyegon Bett.
“The body was decomposing, and it appears he died over a week ago,” added Mulinge. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death as the athletics community mourns another tragic loss.
