Athletics Kenya condoles with the family of slain marathoner Damaris Muthee

The country’s athletics governing body, Athletics Kenya (AK), has expressed its dismay after the death of Kenyan-born Bahraini marathon runner Damaris Muthee who was on Tuesday 19 April 2022 found dead in Iten.

According to initial reports, Muthee's body was discovered in their Lillies estate house after the Ethiopian man they had reportedly been living with alerted his colleagues through a phone call. The alleged assailant is said to have informed athletes in Iten about Muthee's fate after fleeing back to his country following the heinous act committed.

“Athletics Kenya is extremely grieved by the death of Kenyan-born Bahraini marathoner Damaris Muthee who was found dead at her house in Iten after the alleged murder,” AK noted in an official statement.

Another female athlete found murdered in Iten

The news of Muthee’s death came barely a year after the death of Agnes Tirop and Edith Muthoni which occurred in October 2021 in similar circumstances.

“It is another case of a life cut short and a talent washed down the drain considering the achievements Damaris had made in her career. Even though she had shifted allegiance, Damaris was a Kenyan by blood and as such, AK has been keenly following her career progress ever since her first race in 2010 at the Nyeri KCC Meeting,” the statement continued.

“Since then, she went on to notch various podium finishes, including the Marrakech 20km run in 2018 and the Fes 10km run in 2017. Her demise is more painful considering this is not the first time a bright future has been snuffed out by domestic violence,”

“We pass our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Damaris and pray the Lord Almighty may strengthen them at this trying time. As AK, we hope and pray for justice from the requisite authorities. Creating awareness of mental health among athletes and implementing solutions to related challenges remains the centerpiece of our relationship with all those in the industry. Till we meet again, may God rest Damaris’ soul in peace,” the statement concluded.

Kenya Police have launched a manhunt for the alleged killer who is rumoured to have escaped to his country of birth, Ethiopia.