2024-01-01 17:30:10
Kenyan police on Monday arrested two people in connection with the stabbing incident of Ugandan runner Benjamin Kiplagat, who was found dead in a car on the outskirts of the Rift Valley region, home to many African long-distance runners.
Police Chief Stephen Okal said the two men, believed to be in their 30s, were arrested on the outskirts of Eldoret, the fifth largest city in the country.
He added, “The two suspects are known criminals who were terrorizing people,” adding, “We are in an advanced stage of investigations and it is likely that we will refer them to court on Tuesday.”
Kiplagat, born in Kenya (34 years old), defended Uganda’s colors in the 3,000-meter steeplechase race in international forums, specifically in the Olympic Games and the World Athletics Championships.
World Athletics is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Benjamin Kiplagat. We send our deepest condolences to his friends, family, teammates and fellow athletes. Our thoughts are with them all at this difficult time. https://t.co/x74j5xRvex pic.twitter.com/XvW8k5Gwss
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) December 31, 2023
The runner’s body was found in his car last Saturday evening, suffering from a deep wound in his neck.
While the motive behind the crime is still unknown, police said that the two suspects ambushed Kiplagat following he rammed their motorcycle into his car. “This may have pushed them toward violence,” Okal added.
He added, “The two suspects were arrested, and one of them was in possession of a knife that he may have used in the attack.”
Kiplagat reached the semi-finals of the London Olympics in 2012, and also competed in Rio in 2016.
His death comes in the wake of the murder of Kenyan runner Agnes Tirop (25 years old) in October 2021, who was found stabbed in her home, and her husband was arrested and charged with murder.
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