Running News Daily

While Kenya still mourns the death of Tirop another tragedy has shaken the country

While Kenya still mourns the death of 10km world record holder Agnes Jebet Tirop, who was allegedly stabbed by her husband in the abdomen, another tragedy with clear signs of domestic violence has shaken the country.

In this case, a 27-year-old, Edith Muthoni was allegedly shot in the head on the night of October 12 after a violent argument with her boyfriend, Kennedy Nyamu, who has already been arrested to be questioned by police.

The police arrested a young man on charges of killing his girlfriend, Edith Muthoni, 27, on Tuesday night. Kennedy Nyamu was accused of killing the girl by hitting her in the head after a domestic dispute.

According to Muthoni’s sister, Jane Nyawira King’uru, Edith was allegedly attacked after picking up her boyfriend’s phone. “She and her boyfriend had been together for three years. The two had a fight over Nyamu’s phone on the night of the murder,” Nyawira stressed.

Muthoni was well known for having run good times in local races.  Her boyfriend served as a community scout for the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in Embu County. Edith was taken to the hospital and died shortly afterwards.  

On the same day Tirop’s husband was arrested in Changamwe, Mombasa, Kenya. According to a police note, cited by local media, the man was driving a car when he was arrested. Tirop, 25, was part of the team that represented Kenya at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics where she competed in the 5,000 meters, finishing fourth.  

The death of Muthoni follows that of Agnes Jebet Tirop, who was one of the best athletes in the history of Kenya.

"Kenya has lost a jewel who was one of the fastest-rising athletics giants on the international stage, thanks to her eye-catching performances on the track," Athletics Kenya noted through a statement after Tirop's passing away.

"Just last month, she broke the women-only record in the women's 10km at Road to Records Race in Germany, timing 30:01."

Edith Muthoni was a short distance runner with personal best of 26.30 seconds in 200m and 55.98 seconds in 400m.