Police have arrested two suspects in Eldoret in connection with the death of Kenyan-born Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat.
Confirming the arrests, Moiben Sub- County Police Commander Stephen Okal stated that one of the suspects was nabbed within Uasin Gishu County.
At the same time, the commander noted that the other suspect was arrested in the neighboring Trans Nzoia County.
In addition, a knife, suspected to have been used in the murder was recovered from one of the suspects.
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Details Of The Arrests
According to the police commander, officers successfully arrested the suspects after tracing back a CCTV footage and following other technical clues.
Additionally, Okal stated that the two suspects have recently been involved in a number of criminal activities.
The two suspects will be arraigned in court on Tuesday, January 2, to face charges over Kiplagat’s murder.
The Murder Of Athlete Benjamin Kiplagat
The Kenyan-born athlete Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead along the road on his way home in Kimumu on Sunday.
Police officers revealed that Kiplagat was driving a black Toyota Hilux when he was stopped by a motorcycle, which is believed to have blocked his path.
He then knocked down the motorcycle, and the riders are suspected to have committed the crime and fled the scene, leaving their motorcycle behind.
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Additionally, Okal stated that at around 5:00 AM, authorities were informed of a collision involving a motor vehicle and a motorcycle in the Kimumu region, only to discover a deceased person in the driver’s seat.
According to the officer, the body had many stab wounds on the chest and neck.
Kiplagat’s Athletic Journey
Kiplagat specialized in long-distance races and had changed his nationality to Uganda to represent the country in global competitions.
Notably, he represented Uganda in the Rio Olympics Games in 2016 in the men’s 3,000-metre Steeplechase event.
Prior to his death in December 2023, the athlete was training in Iten in preparation for the upcoming athletics events slated for 2024.
Throughout his 17-year career, the 34-year-old won multiple medals, including a silver medal at the World Under 20 Championships, a bronze medal at the African Championships, and a spot in the Top 8 at the Commonwealth Games and the All-African Games.
He finished 38th overall in the Men’s 3,000 metre Steeplechase, according to the World Athletics Rankings.
