It has been alleged that a plot to kill long-distance runner Agnes Tirop may have been devised as she was competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The Kenyan athlete was found dead at her home, aged 25, earlier this month. She was allegedly murdered by her husband Ibrahim Rotich.

After appearing in court at the start of the week, Rotich is now being held in custody.

According to Kenyan newspaper Daily Nation, Tirop’s family has now revealed that most of her property changed ownership three months ago. This adds to her family’s belief that a dispute over property ownership might have led to the murder.

At the time of the property changing hands, Tirop was competing in the women’s 5,000 metres at Tokyo 2020. She just missed out on an Olympic medal, placing fourth.

"We have learnt with utter shock that the majority of our daughter's property has mysteriously changed hands," said Jeremiah Sawe, a spokesperson for Tirop's family.

"What is shocking is that the property changed hands three months ago and some have been disposed of by her lover, who is also the prime suspect in the murder.

"We are now convinced she was killed because of her wealth."

Sawe added: "There are a total of 12 plots, which have since changed ownership. The suspect has made the property his and we believe the deceased was not aware, or was under duress.

"Also, there are no documents for several vehicles bought by the athlete, and shockingly, another car is registered under one of the suspect's friends, also in police custody."

Detective Andolo Munga, of the Kenya Police Criminal Investigation Department, said they would "leave no stone unturned" in the murder investigation, but that the family's statements were being treated as "allegations until proven otherwise".

Tirop, a two-time bronze medallist at the World Athletics Championships, smashed the women’s 10km world record in Germany last month.

She crossed the line in 30:01 to knock 28 seconds off the previous record set in 2002 by Morocco’s Asmae Leghzaoui.

After entering the senior ranks in 2015, Tirop won bronze medals at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships in the 10,000m event.

She also won the 2015 World Cross Country Championships, making history as the second-youngest medallist at the event.

The world of athletics reacted in shock to Tirop’s death, with Kenya Athletics describing the athlete as a "jewel who was one of the fastest-rising athletics giants on the international stage, thanks to her eye-catching performances on the track."