Former Boston Marathon champion and Member of Parliament passes away
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 30.09.25. | 12:49
Born on June 19, 1966, he was first elected to Parliament in 2007 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), representing Emgwen Constituency
The sports fraternity is in mourning following the death of former Boston Marathon champion Elijah Kiptarbei Lagat.
Lagat, who won the 104th Boston Marathon in 2000, died on Tuesday, 30 September, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
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His passing marks the close of a remarkable journey that straddled both athletics and public service. He has left behind a legacy of excellence and leadership.
Lagat first rose to global prominence after his sensational triumph at the Boston Marathon in 2000, a win that placed him among Kenya’s most decorated marathoners of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
He represented the country in several international competitions, further cementing Kenya’s reputation as a global powerhouse in distance running.
After retiring from athletics, Lagat transitioned into politics, where he served with distinction.
Born on June 19, 1966, he was first elected to Parliament in 2007 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), representing Emgwen Constituency.
Following the subdivision of Emgwen, he returned to the National Assembly in 2013 as the first MP for Chesumei under the Jubilee Party.
During his parliamentary tenure, Lagat held several leadership roles, including vice chairperson of the Labour and Social Welfare Committee, chairperson of the Sports Sub-committee, vice chairperson of the Catering and Health Services Committee, and chairperson of the Health Services Sub-committee.
He also previously worked as Deputy Human Resources Manager in Nandi County for five years.
Lagat was widely praised for championing dialogue and inclusivity in leadership.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang led tributes to the late sportsman-turned-politician, describing him as both a national hero and a servant leader.
“It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that we have learned of the passing of Hon. Elijah Lagat, former Member of Parliament for Chesumei Constituency and a celebrated national hero,” Sang said in a statement.
“Hon. Lagat was a distinguished leader whose legacy will be remembered not only in the halls of Parliament but also in the hearts of the people he served with dedication and humility. He led with wisdom, always engaging in wide consultation to ensure that the voices of his constituents were heard, respected, and represented,” added the statement.
Sang also lauded Lagat’s sporting achievements, noting that his 2000 Boston Marathon victory remains an enduring source of pride for Kenya.
“Beyond politics, Hon. Lagat made Kenya proud on the international stage. His remarkable victory at the 2000 Boston Marathon remains etched in our history. His achievements as an athlete elevated Kenya’s name globally, inspiring a generation of sportsmen and women across the country,” added Sang.
Until his demise, Lagat was serving as a board member of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), where he contributed actively in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“On my behalf and the people of Nandi County, I extend our deepest message of condolences to his family, friends, the people of Chesumei, and all Kenyans who mourn this great loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” concluded the statement..
