Samson Kandie's daughter has recounted how the former Kenyan marathoner was brutally attacked by robbers and later succumbed to his injuries.
Daughter of former Kenyan marathoner Samson Kandie has recounted the horrifying moments leading to her father’s tragic death after being brutally attacked by robbers outside his home in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
The retired athlete, known for his illustrious marathon career, succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack, leaving behind a legacy of athletic achievements and a grieving family.
Vienna Kandie, the daughter of the late athlete, narrated the chilling events that unfolded on the fateful evening.
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She explained how her family grew concerned when her father, who had been on his way home, failed to arrive at the usual time. What followed was a discovery that would change their lives forever.
"It was around 7:30 p.m. when Mum called him, and he said he was on his way home. We started wondering where Dad was, as he never came home late," Vienna told reporters, her voice heavy with emotion.
The family’s anxiety grew with each passing minute as they tried to reach him once again, but this time, the voice on the other end of the line was not Samson's.
"By 9 p.m., we tried calling him again, but a man answered the phone and told us to go behind our house, where we would find him," Vienna recounted.
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Fearing the worst, the family rushed outside, only to find their father in a severely injured state, brutally beaten and left for dead.
"I went outside and found him. His legs and arms were injured, and he had been beaten badly. He was in a terrible state, so we rushed him to the hospital," Vienna added, describing the horrifying scene that greeted her.
Despite their best efforts to get him medical help, Kandie’s injuries were too severe, and he later succumbed to his wounds at the hospital.
The loss of Samson Kandie has sent shockwaves through Kenya's athletics community, as he was not only a celebrated marathoner but also a beloved figure in his hometown.
Kandie had represented Kenya on the international stage, competing in the 2001 World Championships in Edmonton, Canada, though he did not finish the race.
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He went on to achieve notable victories, including wins at the 2002 Sapporo Marathon and the 2004 Vienna Marathon, as well as podium finishes at marathons in Berlin, Prague, and Xiamen.
Kandie's marathon career was marked by his perseverance and grit. He set his personal best of 2:08:31 at the 1999 Berlin Marathon, finishing in third place—a repeat of his 1998 performance, where he clocked 2:09:11 for another third-place finish.
His consistent presence in elite marathon competitions earned him respect and admiration within the running community.
However, in the face of such a tragic and senseless death, the focus has shifted from his accolades on the track to the painful reality faced by his family.
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Vienna's account of her father's final moments has left mourners heartbroken, and her strength in recounting the incident has moved many.
As investigations into the incident continue, police have yet to identify the culprits responsible for the attack.
The family, friends, and fans of Samson Kandie now await justice for the man who brought pride to Kenya through his marathon accomplishments.
The athletics world mourns but Samson Kandie’s memory will forever live on in the achievements he made and the lives he touched throughout his remarkable career.