Former Chesumei Member of Parliament (MP) Elijah Lagat has passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Eldoret.

His major achievements include winning the  2000 Boston Marathon, clocking an impressive time of 2:07:41.

He died on September 30, 2025, at the time he was serving as a board member of the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse Authority (NACADA).

His death was confirmed by Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, who mourned the former MP as a distinguished leader who served with humility.

“It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that we have learned of the passing of Elijah Lagat, former Member of Parliament for Chesumei Constituency and a celebrated national hero,” Governor Sang noted in a statement. 

“As a legislator, he was deeply committed to dialogue and inclusivity. He led with wisdom, always engaging in wide consultation to ensure that the voices of his constituents were heard, respected and represented.”

The former lawmaker took his first stab at a parliamentary seat in 2002, but lost the Emgwen Constituency seat to Stephen K. Tarus. 

He later won the Emgwen seat in 2007 on an ODM ticket, marking his first stint as a lawmaker. 

When Egwen constituency was divided into two, it gave birth to Chesumei Constituency, which Lagat contested for in 2013 and won, becoming the first elected MP in the newly formed constituency. 

During his tenure in Parliament he was the Vice Chairman, Labour and Social Welfare Committee, as well as the Chairman, Sports Sub-committee. 

He was similarly Vice Chairman of the Catering and Health Services Committee and Chairman of the Health Services Sub-committee.

He also served as the Deputy Human Resources Manager in Nandi County, a position he held for five years.