Ugandan Olympic Runner Benjamin Kiplagat Fatally Stabbed in Kenya; Two Arrested in Connection
Two individuals have been apprehended by the authorities in connection with the tragic killing of Ugandan Olympic runner Benjamin Kiplagat.
The athlete was discovered fatally stabbed inside a car on New Year’s Eve in Kenya, as confirmed by police reports on Monday.
Moiben sub-county police commander Stephen Okal revealed that a knife suspected to be the murder weapon was found in possession of one of the suspects.
Kiplagat, aged 34, appeared to have been a victim of robbery, with money and a cellphone taken from him, as indicated by Okal.
The grim discovery was made as Kiplagat was found dead in his brother’s car in the early hours of Sunday, situated on the outskirts of Eldoret. Eldoret, a town in western Kenya known for its high-altitude and renowned as a training hub for elite athletes, was the location of this tragic incident.
Kiplagat had a decorated athletic career, having participated in three Olympic games and six world championships, notably excelling in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. His achievements included clinching a bronze medal at the 2012 African championships.
Regrettably, Kiplagat is the latest in a series of athletes who have met untimely and tragic ends in the region.
Notably, two-time cross country world champion Agnes Tirop was fatally stabbed in her home in the nearby town of Iten in 2021, with her husband currently facing murder charges in connection with her death.
Additionally, Kenyan-born Bahrain runner Damaris Muthee’s body was discovered in a male Ethiopian athlete’s residence in 2022.
Although the athlete is a primary suspect in her death, no apprehension has occurred thus far. Furthermore, Rwandan runner Rubayita Siragi lost his life in August in what authorities believe was a dispute with another athlete over a woman.
The string of tragedies involving athletes in the area has sparked concerns and deepened the need for investigations to ensure justice and safety within the athletic community.
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