Kenyan Court Convicts Two Men for Murder of Olympic Runner Benjamin Kiplagat
Two Kenyan men were found guilty of the murder of Ugandan Olympic runner Benjamin Kiplagat, who was stabbed to death on New Year’s Eve. The conviction followed a nine-month trial, where evidence showed the men chased Kiplagat to his home. The court plans to impose a sentence on November 4, 2024.
A Kenyan court has convicted two men, Peter Ushuru Khalumi and David Ekai Lokere, of the murder of Benjamin Kiplagat, a Ugandan Olympic distance runner, who was found fatally stabbed in his vehicle on New Year’s Eve. The Eldoret High Court’s verdict followed a comprehensive nine-month trial during which compelling evidence, including surveillance footage, indicated that the accused chased the victim to his residence in Kimumu Estate. Judge Reuben Nyakundi noted the weaknesses in the defense presented by the defendants, who both denied their involvement at the scene. The athletes’ death shocked the local and international community, eliciting a significant outpouring of tributes. The two perpetrators, aged 30 and 25, are scheduled to be sentenced on November 4, 2024.
Benjamin Kiplagat, a distinguished athlete born in Kenya, represented Uganda in international competitions, specializing in the 3,000 meters steeplechase. His career spanned nearly two decades, during which he earned accolades, including a silver medal at the 2008 World Junior Championships and participation in the Olympic Games of 2012 and 2016. His untimely death on December 31, 2023, raised concerns about safety and violence in the region, prompting widespread reactions and calls for justice.
The conviction of Peter Ushuru Khalumi and David Ekai Lokere marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for Benjamin Kiplagat, whose murder sent shockwaves throughout the community and the athletics world. The court’s reliance on scientific evidence and surveillance footage underscores the role of technology in modern criminal proceedings. As the case proceeds to sentencing, it is hoped that justice will bring some measure of closure to Kiplagat’s family and the sporting community.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
