Richard Tirop (in blue bib). [Photo/Citizen Digital]
Residents of Kipkorgot, Uasin Gishu County have staged protests following the alleged killing of Richard Tirop and his friend Mathew Kemboi.
The irate residents accused the police of laxity, which they said lead to the killing of the athlete Wednesday night.
Tirop, a half-marathon runner, was murdered by unknown people near his home.
According to area residents, Tirop has lived in the area for long since he came back from the USA in the year 2015.
Preliminary reports say Tirop was in a company of his friend, Kemboi, at a nearby pub before they went home at midnight.
Confirming the incident, Eldoret East OCPD Richard Omanga said their bodies had deep multiple injuries.
Their bodies were found by area residents Thursday morning.
Tirop won Barbados Marathon in the USA in the years 2010 – 2011, a Half Marathon in 2012, 2013 and in 2014 and the 10 KM race in 2011.
In 2014, the Running Times named him ‘Master Long Distance Runners of the year’.