Police in Kapsabet town, Nandi County, have launched a massive manhunt for an athlete who reportedly viciously attacked his fellow runner during a fight at the Golazo training camp.Nandi Central acting police boss Silas Kiogora stated that the suspect, Jonathan Kipkosgei Kogo, is on the run after he reportedly attacked athlete Joseph Kipkemboi, who is also a caretaker at the camp. Kipkemboi was severely injured in his private parts in the assault that has been described by police as brutal and premeditated.
Eyewitnesses report that the suspect had reached the camp at around 10 p.m. in the company of two women and a male companion, and was in possession of alcoholic beverages—a step that violates the code of conduct of the camp. A fight is reported to have erupted when Kipkemboi confronted the group about the rule breach.
It was in the course of this scuffle that the suspect is said to have unleashed a vicious attack, showering Kipkemboi with a series of kicks and punches. The victim described how, after he had been floored, the attacker made a deliberate effort to target his genitals in what seemed like an effort to maim him.
Kipkemboi was rescued by his colleagues and rushed to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital for urgent medical care. The camp is in shock following the incident, and training has been temporarily suspended as members struggle to accept the gruesome act.
The residents of Kapsabet and the athletics community have especially condemned the attack and demanded justice for Kipkemboi. They have also called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspect. A majority have requested the authorities to treat the issue with speed to prevent such incidences of violence among the athletic community.
The police have vowed to intensify their search and bring the suspect to justice.
