Passaris mourns former Chesumei MP and Boston Marathon champion Elijah Lagat
By Nancy Marende, September 30, 2025Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has joined Kenyans in mourning the death of former Chesumei Member of Parliament (MP) and celebrated marathoner Elijah Lagat, who died while receiving treatment at the Eldoret Hospital.
In her condolence message on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Passaris described Lagat as a distinguished athlete who successfully transitioned into leadership, leaving a lasting mark both in sports and public service.
“To the resilient people of Chesumei and Nandi County, we mourn the loss of Hon. Elijah Lagat, a distinguished athlete turned devoted leader,” she stated.
“His legacy lives on through his contributions to sports, education, and youth empowerment, notably the Kapsabet training camp. May his family find strength, and may his soul rest in eternal peace,” Passaris added.
Elijah Lagat
Lagat, who first came to global prominence after his stunning win at the Boston Marathon, was among Kenya’s most decorated marathoners in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
He represented the country in multiple international competitions, cementing Kenya’s reputation as a powerhouse in distance running.
Following his athletic career, Lagat transitioned into politics and was twice elected as a Member of Parliament for Chesumei Constituency.
During his tenure in Parliament, he was praised for championing dialogue and inclusivity while representing his constituents.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang led tributes to the late Lagat, describing him as both a national hero and a committed public servant.
“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.”
“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. His achievements as an athlete elevated Kenya’s name globally, inspiring a generation of sportsmen and women across the country,” Sang noted.