In SummaryKenyan 3000m steeplechase champion, Jairus Birech, passed away on September 18, 2025, at age 32 after an illness, sparking national mourning. The world of athletics, especially in Kenya, is heartbroken over the passing of steeplechase star Jairus Birech at the age of 32 on September 18, 2025, due to an illness. Birech was one of the sport’s greatest, known for his speed and skill over barriers, with a peak performance in 2014 that included a sub-eight-minute time of 7:58.41 and a Diamond League title. On the prestigious Diamond League circuit, he was almost unbeatable, claiming wins in Rome, Oslo (with a then world-leading 8:02.37), Lausanne, Monaco, and Birmingham. Over his career, Birech achieved 10 Diamond League meeting wins and was often hailed as a two-time series champion in reports.