Renowned Marathon Athlete Samson Kandie Killed
According to his daughter, Vienna Kandie, Samson was last contacted by his wife at approximately 7:30 p.m. on the fateful day.
Marathanoer Samson Kandie .Photo by Daily Nation.
By Robert Mutasi
The athletic fraternity in Kenya has been thrown into mourning following the tragic loss of marathoner Samson Kandie, who was brutally attacked and killed at his Eldoret home on Thursday evening, 3rd October 2024.
Police have launched investigations into the incident as Uasin Gishu County Police Commander, Benjamin Mwanthi, confirmed they were pursuing the perpetrators.
According to his daughter, Vienna Kandie, Samson was last contacted by his wife at approximately 7:30 p.m. on the fateful day.
He told her he was on his way home, but hours later that night, when family members attempted to call his cell phone, an unknown person answered the line and directed them to go behind a toilet on their property.
There, Vienna said, she found her father, tied up and badly bruised.
The 53-year-old competitor was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital.
Kandie is a renowned long-distance runner, the winner of the 2004 Vienna Marathon.
He also finished third in the prestigious Berlin Marathon for both 1998 and 1999.
His personal best in the marathon was 2:08:31, recorded during the 1999 Berlin Marathon.
In major international events, he joined in representing Kenya during the 2001 World Championships in Edmonton, although he did not finish the course during the marathon event.
The athletics fraternity in Kenya, led by fellow athletes, among them Ezekiel Kemboi, have protested the growing attacks targeting athletes.
They now want the government to increase security for them, arguing that athletes who bring international glory for the country deserve protection just like other public figures.
Kandie’s death is yet another incident in September that saw another athlete being attacked and killed; it has raised concerns over the security of Kenya’s leading sports personalities.
His tragic death has not only shocked the nation but also brought to the fore the vulnerability of athletes who often remain confined to areas prone to crimes, despite their international success.
Investigations continue into his murder as police try bringing the culprits before justice.
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