My Life is in Danger - Kenyan Athlete With Ksh 30M Property

File photo of Kenyan long-distance runners during a training session
File photo of Kenyan long-distance runners during a training session
File

A Kenyan athlete has expressed fears that someone is after his life over a dispute surrounding a property valued at Ksh30 million.

The long-distance runner, Abraham Chelang'a, has recorded a statement with detectives based in Eldoret noting that he has been receiving threats from a businessman who is laying claims on a one-acre piece of land the athlete acquired 12 years ago.

The disputed prime piece of land is located near the Moi University School of Law Annex along the busy Eldoret - Nakuru highway. The athlete says he bought the land from a businessman using proceeds earned from athletic competitions.

Speaking to Nation, the athlete noted that the death threats were sent in form of text messages warning him to keep off the land which is valued at Ksh30 million.

Kenyan marathoner Abraham Chelang’a at Elodret Central Police Station on May 19, 2022 after recording a statement with the police claiming that his life is danger.
Kenyan marathoner Abraham Chelang’a at Eldoret Central Police Station on May 19, 2022, after recording a statement with the police claiming that his life is in danger.
Nation

"I have recorded a statement with the police over the death threats and I hope that they are going to speed up their investigations so that I get justice because this is not a simple matter," the athlete told The Nation.

He now wants police to offer him protection, saying that he fears something bad might happen to him.

Uasin Gishu County Police Commander, Ayub Gitonga, noted that the issues raised are weighty and the case is under active investigation.

This come just a month after another athlete, Damaris Muthee Mutua, was found murdered in Iten.

The body of the deceased was found inside a house belonging to her boyfriend at Lillies Estate in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Her boyfriend of Ethiopian descent was linked to her murder.

According to reports, it is believed that Muthee was killed two days before her body was discovered and the alleged boyfriend fled.

The athlete had garnered some accolades including the Marrakesh Marathon in October 2018 and the 10Km Casablanca Memorial in 2018.

She also participated in the Maputo half marathon in 2018 as well as Agadir Marathon in Morocco in 2017 where she emerged as the first runner-up.

The athlete, who died aged 28 years, held Bahrainian citizenship. She ran for Kenya in 2015.

In 2021, another athlete, Agnes Tirop, was also found murdered in Iten. The murder was linked to her boyfriend.

Tirop's husband was later arrested in connection with the matter with preliminary investigations showing that he could have been involved in her death.

Tirop became the youngest winner of the World Cross since Zola Budd in 1985 and the second youngest in World Cross Country Athletics history at the age of 19 years.

Agnes Tirop celebrates winning bronze in the Women's 10,000m final at the World Athletics Championships in Doha in 2019
Agnes Tirop celebrates winning bronze in the Women's 10,000m final at the World Athletics Championships in Doha in 2019
Sky Sports
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