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Agnes Tirop, who set a new world record in the women-only 10km road race in Germany last month, was found dead in her home, according to Athletics Kenya.
In the official condolences, released on Wednesday, Athletics Kenya described Tirop as “a jewel who was one of the fastest-rising athletics giants on the international stage, thanks to her eye-catching performances on the track”, citing her run time of 30:01m at the 10km Road to Records race on 12th September.
Tirop was aged just 25, 10 days away from her 26th birthday, when her body was discovered on 13th October.
Kenyan media reports say stab wounds were found in her abdomen and neck.
The Associated News Press spoke with Elgeyo Marakwet County police chief Tom Makori, who claims Tirop’s husband is a prime suspect.
Makori said, “There are revelations that came from her husband’s family.”
Makori’s statement comes after Tirop’s husband’s family reported he had phoned them crying and begging for forgiveness for something he had done.
Police claim Tirop’s car was found parked outside her home, with its windscreen and windows smashed, showing signs of a domestic dispute before the murder.
Kenya’s National Police Service consider the athlete to have been the victim of a “heinous crime”, promising “speedy and comprehensive investigations” are in pursuit of the culprit.
The whereabouts of the deceased’s husband is currently unknown as police continue their search.