Written by Lisa Murimi
A 20-year-old athlete, Joseph Hussein Njagi, tragically passed away on Friday, September 27, after collapsing at the finish line of a 3,000-metre race at Kipchoge Stadium, Uasin Gishu County.Â
The race was part of a scholarship trial, with Njagi vying for a chance to further his athletic career.
Njagi completed the race but showed signs of distress as he crossed the finish line.
Medical staff at the stadium responded immediately, rushing him to Uasin Gishu District Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.
Police from Eldoret were notified and transferred Njagi’s body to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for a post-mortem to determine the cause of his death.
His sudden passing has shocked Kenya’s athletic community.
Njagi’s death comes just weeks after another athlete, Willy Chelewa, collapsed and died under similar circumstances.
These tragic incidents have raised concerns about the health and safety of Kenya’s young athletes, with calls for better medical screenings and support during competitions.
The Kenya Athletics Federation has yet to release an official statement, but the incident has highlighted the urgent need for measures to safeguard the well-being of athletes.
