Athletics star dies in preacher's house

An international athlete from West Pokot County died mysteriously in a preacher's house at Sakas estate in Kapenguria Saturday.

Witnesses claimed the sportsman, who came from Lelan in Pokot South sub-county, arrived hastily at a neighbour's house and asked for tea.

They alleged that after drinking the tea, the man asked the owner of the house, who is a preacher, to pray for him.

It is claimed that the young athlete, estimated to be in his 20s, then entered the preacher's bedroom and stabbed himself to death with a long sharp knife.

One of the witnesses said the deceased became violent and resisted any attempts by those who wanted to help him.

Police arrived at the scene later in the day and took the deceased's body to the Kapenguria District Hospital mortuary.

Astonished residents could only stare as police removed the body of the deceased, with no one having a clue about the reasons that led to the athlete's death.

Unnatural deaths

A police officer who requested not to be named because he is not authorised to speak to the Press said investigations into the incident had already been launched.

When contacted, West Pokot OCPD Macharia Ruku said he was yet to get information from officers handling the matter.

The incident comes as residents raised concerns about increased cases of unnatural deaths in the area.

Barely two months ago, the body of a minor was found buried in a shallow grave only a few kilometres from Sunday's suspected suicide.