By Debbie Eremen
Former Kenyan marathon runner Beatrice Murugi, who once used her earnings from professional athletics to transform her family’s life, is reportedly struggling to meet her basic needs after illness, financial losses and personal hardship ended her athletic career.
Murugi, who is now reportedly living in a KSh1,000-a-month rented room in Kerugoya, survives by picking tea and taking casual jobs to provide for her 10-year-old child.
She once represented Kenya on the international marathon stage and reportedly used her winnings to buy land in Nyahururu, build a home for her mother and pay her siblings’ school fees.
Her fortunes reportedly changed after she invested a substantial portion of her savings in a commercial lorry that was later involved in a fatal accident near Delmonte.
The lorry’s insurance had reportedly expired without her knowledge, leaving Murugi without compensation while she faced significant medical and liability expenses.
Her situation worsened in 2021 when she developed a severe and persistent stomach-bloating condition that reportedly left her unable to train or perform the physically demanding work she had previously relied on.
As she battled the illness and financial difficulties, Murugi reportedly lost the support of her husband and was left to care for her child alone.
The former professional athlete is now reportedly dependent on casual work to put food on the table, a stark contrast to the years when her performances brought her recognition and earnings.
Her plight has since prompted calls for Athletics Kenya and the Ministry of Sports to intervene, particularly by helping her access proper medical care and providing support to enable her rebuild her life.
Murugi’s reported ordeal has also renewed concerns about the welfare of athletes after their competitive careers, particularly those who are left without adequate financial or institutional support once they leave the sporting arena.
Once she carried Kenya’s hopes on the international marathon circuit.
Today, her story has become a plea for support as she struggles to secure a more stable future for herself and her child.
A stronger next step would be to verify Murugi’s current medical condition, athletic record and the accident details before publication.
