President Uhuru Kenyatta led the country and the Athletics fraternity in mourning the death of 2015 World 400m hurdles Championships Nicholas Bett.
The 28 year old was involed in a road accident along the Eldoret-Kapsabet road where he died on the spot. Police and family members confirmed on Wednesday morning throwing the country into tears.
“Deeply saddened by the death of former 400m hurdles World Champion Nicholas Bett who died today in a tragic road accident. Bett earned the country great honours in his outstanding victories. My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives and friends,” President Kenyatta posted on Twitter.
Deeply saddened by the death of former 400m hurdles World Champion Nicholas Bett who died today in a tragic road accident. Bett earned the country great honours in his outstanding victories. My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives and friends. pic.twitter.com/9Xgqt1tFr3
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) August 8, 2018
Police boss Patrick Wambani said Bett was driving home from Nairobi after returning from Nigeria where he participated in the just-concluded African Athletics Championships. He is said to have lost control of his car.
Leaders from across the country and Kenyans in general have thronged Social media with condolence messages to the family during this trying moment.
“Our deepest condolences to the family of the late Nicholas Bett Ex-champion 400M hurdles through tragic road accident in Nandi today. May God almighty give you the fortitude to bear this loss. RIP champ,” Nandi County Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei on Twitter.
“My sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Nicholas Bett, the 2015 World 400m hurdles champion. You made Kenya proud and you will be missed by the entire nation and the Athletics fraternity. We have lost a champion,” media mogul and businessman Chris Kirubi posted on Twitter.
“Learnt with pain and grief the death of 400 metres hurdles champion Nicholas Bett through a road accident. It is a big loss to Kenya and athletics fraternity. My thoughts and prayers to his family during this trying moments,” Baringo County’s Women Representative Gladwell Tungo on Twitter.
Here are some other condolences from Kenyans on Twitter.
BREAKING NEWS: Former 400m hurdles World Champion Nicholas Bett dies in a road accident in Nandi County. Very sad. Rest in Peace Champ. #TheScoreKE pic.twitter.com/uwlWyRKkaQ
— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) August 8, 2018
I mourn the passing on of Nicholas Bett. He was a great inspiration to Kenyan Athletes. We must make our roads safe.
— Sen.Moses Wetang’ula (@Wetangulam) August 8, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family, friends, all Kenyans and the entire athletics fraternity for the death of a World Champion, Nicholas Bett.
He will be remembered for winning the World Championship 400m title in Beijing, China in 2015.
May God Rest his soul in Peace. pic.twitter.com/HOmIIioYz0— Hon. Charles Keter (@ketercharles) August 8, 2018
In 2015 Nicholas Bett became the first Kenyan to win a gold in hurdles during the world competition that was held in Beijing, China.