Police launch probe into athlete's death in Kaptagat

Willy Chelawa’s body was discovered in a room at Kaptagat Hotel, Elgeyo Marakwet county. [Courtesy]

Police have launched investigations into the death of an athlete in a hotel in Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet county.

Police said Willy Chelawa’s body was discovered in a room at Kaptagat Hotel on Monday.

According to preliminary police reports, Chelawa, 28, might have collapsed and died on Monday afternoon.

The athlete participated in the 2024 Nairobi City Marathon on September 8 and finished 67th in the men’s 21km race.

His death comes days after the horrific murder of Ugandan marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei, who was laid to rest in Bukwo, Uganda on Saturday.

Elgeyo Marakwet police commander Peter Mulinge said investigators were piecing together information that could reveal the cause of the athlete’s sudden death.

Mulinge revealed that the management of the hotel told officers from Kaptagat police station that Chelawa was unresponsive.

The police boss said investigators who arrived at the scene found the door of the room locked from inside.

Mulinge revealed that a meal of rice and black tea which was found on the table and that is believed to have been consumed by the athlete will be subjected to tests.

“The deceased was alone in the room because his training mate had left the country. There were leftovers of a meal of strong tea and rice in the room. A forensic investigation will be done,” he said.

The athlete’s body was removed to Iten County Hospital Mortuary awaiting postmortem.

“The Kaptagat hotel proprietor reported that there was an athlete who was unresponsive after they knocked on the door to his room. He was seen lying down from the window in his room within the hotel vicinity,” the police boss said

“Police from Kaptagat police station visited the scene and found the room where the said athlete was, locked from the inside but later gained entrance and found a lifeless body of Willy Chelawa,” the police said in a preliminary report.

The preliminary report also indicated that there were no signs of struggle and visible injuries.

An athlete who has been training in Kaptagat said Chelawa had secured a contract with an international sports company after participating in the Nairobi City Marathon and was training for global races.

“He was well and did not show any signs of illness. He had trained on Monday morning but did not come out of the room for afternoon workouts,” the male athlete said.

He said Chelawa has been training in Kaptagat since his return from the Nairobi City Marathon.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said Chelawa had a bright future in athletics.

“We have lost athlete across the in various incidents and we are working with authorities to ensure that their wellbeing is safeguarded,” the Governor said.