Police in the Kenyan town of Iten, which has become one of the world’s favourite training destinations for Kenyans and foreigner athletes, on Sunday reported that a Rwandan athlete identified as Rubayita Sirag, 34, died of injuries he sustained during a fight with his Kenyan counterpart. Sirag specialises in 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres.
According to the report, two athletes, a Rwandese and a Kenyan, are reported to have fought on Thursday last week, leading to the death of the Rwandan track runner on Friday evening.
Authorities in Keiyo North are still investigating the circumstances under which the two athletes fought, and the exact cause of the death.
Police has confirmed that the preliminary investigations point to a love triangle but noted that a probe into the matter was not conclusive.
Police further reported that the suspect and the woman suspected to be the cause of the fight are being held at Iten Police Station for interrogation.
Reports further confirm that that the deceased had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after the attack.
The matter is said to have been reported to the police by a coach in one of the training camps in Iten, who told authorities that the two athletes fought.
According to the coach who has known the two athletes for months, the two athletes fought over a woman, the Kenyan athlete had told us that he had married and that the Rwandan national was his wife’s ex-boyfriend. That is the information we have. We hope the police will do a thorough investigation,”
The coach further revealed that the Kenya athlete was identified as Dancan Khamala, a sprinter who also runs a barber shop in Iten and works as gym instructor.
According to a recorded conversation between the suspect and another Iten-based coach, Khamala said he had lived with the woman for two months.
