Former Emgwen and Chesumei Member of Parliament, and celebrated marathon champion, Elijah Lagat has passed away.
According to reports, Lagat took his final bow on Tuesday morning, September 30, at a hospital in Eldoret where he had been receiving treatment.
Leaders from across the country have paid tribute to him, describing his life as one of dedication, humility, and service both on and off the track.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang was among the first to send a message of condolence, recalling Lagat’s service to his people and the nation.
"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.
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"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. As a legislator, he was deeply committed to dialogue and inclusivity. He led with wisdom, always engaging in wide consultation to ensure that the voices of his constituents were heard, respected and represented," he said.
Sang sent his message of ondolences to Lagat's family and friends as well as the people of Chesumei constituency.
"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," he added.
On her part, Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge remembered Lagat for his unique journey from athletics to politics and his impact on the youth.
"I have learnt with profound sorrow the passing of Hon. Elijah Kiptarbei Lagat, who passed on this morning, September 30, 2025, in a hospital in Eldoret. His loss is a heavy blow, not just to Nandi County but to all of Kenya. Elijah was a true hero—a Boston Marathon champion who ran with heart, a dedicated MP who served Emgwen and Chesumei with passion, and a fierce advocate for youth through his work at NACADA. His journey from a late-start runner to a national icon showed us what grit and love for community can do.
"To his family, friends, and all who knew him, I extend my deepest condolences. May God surround you with comfort and grant you strength in this time of grief. Mheshimiwa’s legacy, his victories, his service and his warmth will live on in every life he touched. Mutyo missing," she stated.
Tinderet MP Julius Melly, who served alongside Lagat in Parliament, expressed sadness at the passing of his colleague and friend.
"I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing on of my friend and colleague, Hon. Elijah Lagat, former Member of Parliament for Chesumei Constituency, with whom I had the honour of serving in the 11th Parliament (2013–2017). I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Chesumei Constituency.
"Hon. Lagat will be remembered for his service, humility, and commitment to his community and our nation. May the Almighty grant his family strength and comfort during this difficult time, and may his soul rest in eternal peace," he said.
Lagat's athletics journey began in 1993. Concerned about his health after a doctor’s warning, he took up running to lose weight.
By 1997, he had already risen to international prominence, winning the Berlin Marathon in an impressive 2:07:41, which became his personal best.
The following year, Lagat won the Prague Marathon, cementing his status as a top marathoner.
His biggest win came in 2000 at the Boston Marathon, where he claimed victory in what became the closest finish in the race’s history, edging out Ethiopia’s Gezahegne Abera with both men recording the same finishing time.
Later that year, Lagat represented Kenya at the Sydney Olympics, though he did not finish the marathon event.
However, as the years progressed, his performances declined, and he gradually stepped back from elite competition.
After athletics, Lagat transitioned into politics. His first attempt came in 2002 when he vied for the Emgwen Constituency parliamentary seat on a KANU ticket, but he lost to Stephen Tarus of NARC.
He remained undeterred, and in the 2007 General Election he returned on an ODM ticket and unseated Tarus, earning a place in Parliament.
Following the creation of Chesumei Constituency ahead of the 2013 elections, Lagat successfully contested and became its Member of Parliament.
He served in that capacity until 2017, when he lost the seat to Alex Kosgey.
During his time in Parliament, Lagat served as the Vice Chairman of the Labour and Social Welfare Committee, Chairman of the Sports Sub-committee, Vice Chairman of Catering and Health Services, and Chairman of the Health Services Sub-committee.
In 2023, Lagat was appointed to the board of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) for a three-year term.
