In a tragic turn of events, the Kenyan police are currently investigating the murder of three-time Ugandan Olympian, Benjamin Kiplagat, renowned for his achievements in the 3000m steeplechase.
Kiplagat was found dead in a car with media reports saying he had stabbed wounds to his chest and neck in Kimumu near the Kenyan town of Eldoret.
Police in Kenya has not provided details surrounding the distressing incident, stating, “The person who was murdered is called Edward Kiplagat, alias Benjamin. He is a Marakwet of Kenyan origin but an international athlete representing Uganda in the last Olympics.”
They went on to reveal that the incident occurred around 0130 HRS, and initially, it was reported to authorities as an accident. However, upon closer inspection at the scene, it became evident that it was, in fact, a deliberate act of murder.
The discovery took place near Kimumu Secondary School along the Eldoret-Iten road, approximately a six-hour drive west of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The deceased was found inside his brother’s car, which he was driving at the time of the incident. The motive behind the murder remains unclear at this stage, Police further stated adding “This was murder, but we do not know the motive for now.”
Kiplagat proudly represented Uganda in three Olympic Games and participated in six world championships, leaving an indelible mark on the world of athletics.
His notable achievement includes reaching the semi-finals of the 2012 London Olympics in the 3,000m steeplechase.
In August last year, Rubayita Siraj, a 34-year-old professional runner from Rwanda was killed in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Preliminary investigations linked his death to a suspected love triangle that turned into a dispute with a 28-year-old athlete and gym instructor identified as Duncan Khamala who is currently in police custody as the main suspect in the killing.
