Husband of world champion runner Agnes Tirop arrested over death

Tirop was found dead earlier this week.

The husband of World Champion Olympic distance runner Agnes Tirop has been arrested in connection with her death. Tirop's body was discovered in her Kenya home earlier this week following a reported stabbing.  BBC News reports that Emmanuel Rotich was arrested yesterday and will be charged once the investigation into the athlete's death is complete. Tirop finished fourth in the 5,000m race at this year's Tokyo Olympics. A two-time World Champion for long distance running, the 25-year-old set a new record for the women's race earlier this year. Her passing was confirmed by the Nairobi Region's Chairperson of Athletics Kenya, Barnaba Korir, who said that he was "distraught" by the news. "We are still working to unearth more details surrounding her demise," he said. "Kenya has lost a jewel who was one of the fastest rising athletic giants on the international stage, thanks to her eye catching performances on the track. "Just last month, she broke the women-only world record in the women's 10km at Road to Records race in Germany, timing 30:01. We pray that God may grant strength to family and friends at this difficult time." Countless other tributes for Tirop have been shared over the past few days. Among them was former double Olympic champion and president of World Athletics Sebastian Coe who described her as "one of the world's best female distance runners over the past six years." "Athletics has lost one of its brightest young stars in the most tragic circumstances," he said. "This is a terrible blow to the entire athletics community, but especially to her family, her friends and Athletics Kenya. I send them all our most heartfelt condolences." Tirop's body was found at her home in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya earlier this week. It has been reported that Rotich attempted to flee the country prior to his arrest.