Here is a detailed account of what is known so far about the death of former 3000m steeplechase athlete Jairus Kipchoge Birech, tracing the timeline from his illness to the reactions and legacy:
Jairus Kipchoge Birech, born 14 December 1992 in Uasin Gishu County, had been one of Kenya’s standout steeplechasers. He burst onto the international scene in 2011 with a silver medal at the African Junior Athletics Championships, later earning his place among the world’s best in 2014 when he won gold at the African Championships, silver at the Commonwealth Games, and captured the Diamond League Final. He ran a personal best of 7:58.41 in Brussels in 2014, placing him among the elite steeplechasers who have broken the eight‑minute barrier.
In September 2025, his health began to deteriorate. On 16 September, he reportedly first felt severe body pains, prompting his condition to worsen over the next day or so. He was admitted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret where medical staff diagnosed him with tuberculosis and spinal meningitis. He had been sick for about three weeks, and had been under hospital care for roughly two weeks before passing.
He died on the evening of Thursday, 18 September 2025, at around 8:30 PM local time. His family issued a statement confirming that he “peacefully went to be with the Lord” that night.
Following his death, many in the athletic community, including his fellow athletes, sports officials, and political leaders, expressed condolences and mourned the loss. World Athletics vice president and Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei described his passing as a great loss. Fellow athletes; Milcah Chemos and Julius Yego also paid tribute and also Kenyans from different walks of life have channeled their condolence messages to the family and friends. Rest in Peace, Legend Jairus Kipchoge Birech.
