The athletic fraternity is in mourning again after a retired marathon athlete Samson Kandie was killed by unknown people at his home in Eldoret.

According to Uasin-Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi, the athlete was hacked to death within his compound at the high-end Elgon View Estate.

“The assailants seemed to have been waiting for him outside his compound before attacking him. We have launched investigation into the incident,” Mr Mwanthi said in a statement.

AVDelta News established that the attackers made away with Kandie's phone, but nothing else was stolen from him during incident which has sparked fears in the region.

”We are following crucial leads which will lead to the arrest of the suspects who are still at large," said the police boss.

Kandie,53, who was prided for his victories in the 2002 Sapporo and 2004 Vienna marathons, was found severely injured.

"His hands and legs had been tied up when we found him. He had not reported any threats to his life prior to the attack," added Mr Mwanthi.

Kandie's daughter, Vienna Kandie, told police that her father had called saying he was on his way home, but did not arrive.

She added that her mother called him and he said he was on his way home at about 7.30pm, but never arrived.

"A stranger later called my mother telling her to look for Kandie behind the toilet where we found his body," said Vienna.

Kandie was found in a critical condition and died on arrival at a hospital in Eldoret.

The late Kandie was a podium finisher in the 1999 Berlin Marathon where he set his personal best time of 2:08:31.

This comes as athletes in the region raise concern on upsurge in attacks targeting athletes in the athletic rich region.

Former 3,000 metres steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi expressed shock at the killing of Kandie and called on the government to ensure security and safety of athletes.

"We have lost many athletes in the recent past yet no action is being taken to protect the runners. For how long will this continue?" posed Mr Kemboi.

In September, Uganda Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei died after she was set ablaze by her former boyfriend in Kenya.

The boyfriend also succumbed to the fire injuries.