The former 400 metres hurdles World Champion Nicholas Bett died on Wednesday early in the morning after his car hit a pothole on the road and rolled several times before landing into a ditch.
The sad news happened near Lessos on the border of Uasin Gishu and Nandi Counties.
Various people have joined the family of Bett in mourning with both President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto, who is also the Rift Valley kingpin sending their condolences messages to the family, relatives and friends.
“It is very sad indeed that we have lost one of our shining athletes in a road accident. In this hour of sorrow and grief, I convey my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the late Nicholas Bett,” said the President.
“I join the athletics fraternity in mourning the 2015 World 400m hurdles champion who died through a tragic road accident in Lessos, Nandi County. May God the Almighty comfort the family, relatives and friends of the hero," he added.
DP Ruto too sent his condolence message to the beavered. He said the country had lost a hero who was adored.
“Bett was part of the triumphant squad that topped the medal standings in the African Senior Athletics Championships in Asaba. He was an affable, popular lad who was adored by his peers,” said the DP Ruto.
He added that: “The passing on of World Champion Nicholas Bett is tragic and a big loss to his family, friends, Kenya and the global athletics fraternity. He made history in 2015 by being the first Kenyan gold medalist over a short distance in Beijing, China."
The unfortunate death found Bett on his way home from African Athletics Championships in Asaba, Nigeria where he had represented the nation with other athletes.