By : Lloyd Mahachi

A court in Kenya has sentenced two men, Peter Ushuru Khalumi and David Ekai Lokere, to 35 years in prison for killing Ugandan Olympic athlete Benjamin Kiplagat. He was found stabbed to death in his car on New Year’s Eve in Eldoret, a town where many athletes train due to its high altitude and favorable climate.

The judge, Reuben Nyakundi, carefully examined the evidence, including video footage that showed the attackers threatening Kiplagat with a knife. The footage revealed that the attackers followed Kiplagat’s car before killing him in a premeditated act. The judge stated that the evidence proved the men planned and deliberately carried out the crime, leaving no doubt about their guilt.

Kiplagat’s family had requested life sentences for the killers, citing the severity of the crime and the impact it had on their loved one. However, the judge thought 35 years was a fair sentence, considering the circumstances surrounding the case. Despite not getting the life sentences they sought, the family expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that justice had been served and they could finally find closure.

Benjamin Kiplagat was a talented and accomplished long-distance runner who specialized in the 3000-meter steeplechase. He proudly represented Uganda in three Olympic Games: Beijing in 2008, London in 2012, and Rio in 2016. Kiplagat held the Ugandan record in the event and was a respected figure in the athletic community. His sudden and tragic death sent shockwaves through Kenya and Uganda, sparking widespread concern about athlete safety.

The sentencing brings a measure of relief to Kiplagat’s loved ones and the athletic community, but it also serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by athletes in Kenya and beyond. The case highlights the need for increased security measures and support for athletes, ensuring their safety and well-being both on and off the track.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi