Kenyan gold medalist collapses, dies in Mt Elgon
By Benson Mbare, August 14, 2021
Kenyan athlete Gilbert Soet Kwemoi, from Kopsiro area in Chepyuk ward, is reported to have died on Friday night as he was being rushed to Bungoma Referral Hospital for medication after being referred from Kopsiro Hospital.
The prospect runner had been rushed to Kopsiro Hospital by family members on a motorcycle for treatment after he suddenly fell sick.
The young athlete earned Kenya a Gold Medal in 2014 during the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China, in the 1,500 m race, clocking 3:41.99.
Kwemoi would go on to bag a silver medal in the following year during the African Under-20 Championships in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Until his untimely death, Kwemoi was training under the National Police Service (NPS) with the untimely death of the 29-year-old yet to be established.
Kwemoi was also a police officer attached to Kipkaren police station in Uasin Gishu County and the firstborn in a family of five.
Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka led from the front in mourning the renowned athlete. Lusaka saying the country had lost an ambitious, focused and talented person that was young and hungry to win medals.
“During our brief interaction, he struck me as a focused and hard-working young man who would not let anything stop him from shattering world records,” said Lusaka.
Lusaka, further adding Kwemoi was a humble, talented and outstanding sportsman with a bright future.
“Gilbert Soet Kwemoi was a humble, talented and outstanding sportsman with a bright future. My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the people of Mt Elgon and the entire athletics fraternity during this difficult time,” stated Lusaka in a tribute.