Athlete Gilbert Kwemoi dies in Mount Elgon

Gilbert Soet Kwemoi [photo courtesy]

Former world youth champion Gilbert Soet Kwemoi is dead. Kwemoi died last night at a hospital in Mount Elgon following a short illness.

Kwemoi, 23, lit up the Olympic Stadium in Nanjing, China, winning gold in 1500m in 3:41.99 during the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. A year later, Kwemoi won silver for Kenya at the African Under20 Championships in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia.

The late athlete was born in Kipsigon in Mount Elgon area, Bungoma County on October 3, 1997.

He has been training in Iten and Nairobi under National Police Service coach, Isaac Kirwa.

Kirwa confirmed the athlete’s death, saying a comprehensive statement on the cause would be issued later on Saturday.

Kwemoi second from right.

“It is true that we have lost him at a young age. He was a promising athlete. IWe are in a meeting. A statement will be issued later,” Kirwa said.

Iten-based coaches said Kwemoi collapsed and was confirmed dead on arrival in a health facility in Mount Elgon.

In a condolence message, Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka described the athlete as focused and hardworking.

“Gilbert Soet Kwemoi was a humble, talented and outstanding sportsman with a bright future,” the speaker said.

Lusaka who is the former governor of Bungoma said it was sad that the country lost the talented athlete before attaining his full potential.

“My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the people of Mt Elgon and the entire athletics fraternity during this difficult time,” the speaker said.