Chebet passed away after being hospitalised for three days in Eldoret following a short illness, his brother Ben Chebet told Kenya’s Daily Nation.

"We have lost an icon," said Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei.

"He was one of the legends who brought fame to our country.

"I want to send my condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and athletics fraternity for their loss."

Fellow Kenyan runner Moses Tanui, winner of the Boston Marathon in 1996 and 1998, offered condolences and memories of Chebet as a competitor.

"Chebet was a good athlete, and he would fight to the finish line," he told the Daily Nation.

 “I remember in the 1998 Boston Marathon I ran with him to the finish line where I managed to beat him by three seconds.

"It’s sad that we have lost him, and I want to send my condolences to the family and friends during this difficult moment.

"It’s not easy to lose a loved one."

In that 1998 race, Chebet set his personal best time of 2 hours 07min 37sec.

Chebet also lost by three seconds to fellow Kenyan John Kagwe at the 1998 New York City Marathon.

But he returned the following year to create more triumphant memories for himself.

Chebet’s first big victory on the roads came at the Amsterdam Marathon in 1996, and he also won the Vienna Marathon in 2003.

After retiring from running, Chebet started farming in his hometown of Kapyego and mentored many younger members of his Marakwet tribe.

Kenyan Senator Allan Chesang tweeted: "We will always remember his victories.

"He was a blessing to our nation during his life.

"He served diligently and with humility as an officer in the police force.

"His contribution to our nation will endure forever in our hearts."

Chebet died last Friday (July 7).