Kenyan police have made significant progress in the investigation into the murder of Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat. They have arrested two suspects, both believed to be in their 30s, in connection with the stabbing death of Kiplagat. The arrests occurred on the outskirts of Eldoret, a town in the Rift Valley known for its high-altitude training environment for athletes.
Moiben Sub-County Police Commander Stephen Okal confirmed the arrests, with one suspect apprehended in Uasin Gishu County and the other in Trans Nzoia County. One of the suspects was found in possession of a knife, believed to be the weapon used in the murder. These two individuals are known criminals who have been terrorizing local residents, according to the police. The arrests came after the authorities received a public tip about an accident, leading them to discover Kiplagat’s body with a deep knife wound to his neck in a car.
The motive behind Kiplagat’s murder is still under investigation, but early indications suggest that he was waylaid by the two men after hitting their motorcycle with his car, which might have provoked the violent act.
Benjamin Kiplagat, a long-distance runner specializing in the 3000m steeplechase, had represented Uganda in several international events, including the Olympic Games and World Championships. His career spanned about 18 years, during which he won a silver medal at the 2008 World Junior Championships and a bronze at the 2012 Africa Championships. He also competed in the 2012 Olympics in London and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The tragic death of Kiplagat follows another high-profile murder in the region, that of Kenyan distance running star Agnes Tirop in October 2021.
