Siraj Rubayita, a Rwandan athlete, was allegedly killed last week in Kenya where he was undertaking training at Iten center.

Although police is still investigating the exact his death, some Kenyan media channels have reported that he was involved in a violent altercation with a colleague leading to his death.

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Get to know who he was.

The start of his career

Rubayita began his athletic career 10 years back when he moved to Rwanda after completing his secondary level in Uganda.

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According to Jean Damascene Nkezabo, the former president of Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF), Rubayita exercised excellent in the half marathon (A road race of 13.1094 miles or 21.0975km) and was among the best three half marathon players in Rwanda.

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"On joining the team, he proved that he had the ability to learn, and better himself. He was heading at the peak of his career, and we had so much hope in him,” he stresses.

Traits he will be remembered for

Nkezabo describes him as a very kind person who gave priority to his career, fun to be around and a good team player.

"The runner joined RAF as a young energetic athlete, whose zeal, and dedication propelled him to compete for international half marathons.”

Rubayita stood out for his proficiency, due to his performance, physical capability, running distance, and so forth, Nkezabo adds.

Inspiration to young athletes

Having pursued and completed a course in accounting and administration at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), he continued as a sportsman. He didn’t search for any jobs yet he could have acquired one if he did.

Nkezabo notes that being an educated athlete, Rubayita inspired other young sportsmen that racing in marathons wasn’t for the illiterate, as it was believed back in the day.

Marathons he participated in

Rubayita was a middle-distance runner, who participated in several international events, including the Kigali Peace Marathon, the Regional 10000m Championships in Campo Atletica in Italy, the Ugandan Championships in Kampala, the Gensan Giulietta and Romeo Half Marathon in Verona, Italy, and others.

Trip to Italy for half marathons

He was looking forward to traveling to Italy this September for the half marathon competitions. This wouldn’t have been his first time in Italy, he has always traveled there for running races.

At the time of his death, Rubayita was in Kenya for individual training, preparing for the Italy half marathons which could have taken him about six months, and later return to Rwanda for training.

He left no child behind.