Former MP Elijah Lagat Dies
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Elijah Lagat, a former Member of Parliament for Emgwen and Chesumei, as well as a celebrated marathon champion.
He left us on Tuesday morning, September 30, at a hospital in Eldoret, where he had been receiving treatment. Leaders from all over the country have come forward to pay their respects, honoring his life filled with dedication, humility, and a commitment to service, both on the track and beyond.
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.
“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 condolences 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 journey in athletics kicked off back in 1993. After receiving a health scare from his doctor, he decided to take up running to shed some pounds.
By 1997, he was already making waves on the international stage, clinching the Berlin Marathon with an impressive time of 2:07:41, which became his personal best.
The next year, he added the Prague Marathon to his list of victories, solidifying his reputation as a top marathon runner.
His crowning achievement came in 2000 at the Boston Marathon, where he triumphed in what turned out to be the closest finish in the race’s history, narrowly beating Ethiopia’s Gezahegne Abera, with both runners clocking the same finishing time.
Later that year, Lagat represented Kenya at the Sydney Olympics, although he didn’t finish the marathon event.
As time went on, however, his performances began to wane, and he gradually stepped back from the elite competition scene.
After his athletics career, Lagat made a shift into politics. His first foray was in 2002 when he ran for the Emgwen Constituency parliamentary seat under a KANU ticket, but he lost to Stephen Tarus of NARC.
Undeterred, he made a comeback in the 2007 General Election on an ODM ticket and successfully unseated Tarus, earning a spot in Parliament.
With the formation of the Chesumei Constituency ahead of the 2013 elections, Lagat ran again and became its Member of Parliament.
He held that position until 2017, when he lost the seat to Alex Kosgey.
During his time in Parliament, Lagat took on several roles, including 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
Former MP Elijah Lagat Dies
