Uasin Gishu: 2 Suspects in Murder of Kenyan-Born Ugandan Athlete Benjamin Kiplagat Nabbed

 

Police have arrested two suspects in the murder of Kenyan-born Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat, who was found dead with deep knife cuts in Eldoret. Suspects in the murder of East African athlete Benjamin Kiplagat. Photo: Wisley Rotich. Source: Facebook Where were the suspects nabbed? Moiben Sub-county Police Commander Stephen Okal confirmed the arrest, disclosing that one of the suspects was arrested within Uasin Gishu county while the other had flown to the neighbouring Trans Nzoia county.  According to a report by NTV Kenya, the police relied on CCTV footage obtained from the crime scene as well as other technical clues during the search. The police also recovered a knife from one of the suspects, which was allegedly used to commit the murder. According to the report, the two have been lately engaging in various criminal offences. They will be arraigned in court on Tuesday, January 2, to answer murder charges. What happened to Benjamin Kiplagat? Kiplagat was brutally stabbed in the neck in his brother's black Toyota Hilux on Sunday morning, December 30, 2023, at Kimumu estate on the outskirts of Eldoret town. The police stated that the athlete frequently attended late-night meetings with other athletes in Elgeyo Marakwet. They believe the suspects tracked Kiplagat's routine before eventually killing him.  Kiplagat, 37, who was the 2008 World Junior Silver medalist in the 3000m steeplechase, has represented Kenya in various Olympics and World Championships events. Throughout his 17-year career, he achieved numerous accolades, including a silver medal at the World Under-20 Championships, a bronze medal at the African Championships, and a Top 8 ranking in both the Commonwealth Games and the All-African Games. 

by  Nancy Odindo