Former Chesumei and Emgwen Member of Parliament, Elijah Lagat, will be laid to rest tomorrow at his Saniak home in Chesumei Constituency, Nandi County.
Lagat, a celebrated athlete and statesman, passed away on September 29 at Eldoret Hospital in Uasin Gishu County after a short illness. He was 60 years old.
Renowned for his achievements on the global athletics stage, Lagat etched his name in history by winning the 2000 Boston Marathon.
He also represented Kenya in numerous international competitions, making him one of the country’s most recognized long-distance runners of his generation.
Transitioning from sports to politics, Lagat served in Parliament with distinction, representing his constituents in both Chesumei and Emgwen. During his tenure, he held various key leadership roles, including:
- Vice Chairperson of the Labour and Social Welfare Committee
- Chairperson of the Sports Sub-committee
- Vice Chair of the Catering and Health Services Committee
- Chair of the Health Services Sub-committee
Outside of Parliament, Lagat continued his commitment to public service. He worked as the Deputy Human Resources Manager in Nandi County for five years and, until his passing, served as a board member of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
His legacy as both a world-class athlete and dedicated public servant leaves an enduring mark on Kenya’s sporting and political landscape.
