In brief
A Kenyan court has sentenced two men to 35 years in prison each for the murder of renowned Ugandan Olympian Benjamin Kiplagat, who was killed on New Year’s Eve last year in Eldoret, a region known for athlete training.
The High Court in Eldoret has delivered a 35-year sentence for each of the two assailants responsible for the murder of Benjamin Kiplagat, a notable Ugandan steeplechaser with Olympic participation in 2008, 2012, and 2016. Justice Reuben Nyakundi expressed deep concern over the brutal nature of the crime, highlighting that Kiplagat was intentionally followed and attacked while in his vehicle, as captured on surveillance footage. Kiplagat's mother emotionally pleaded for life sentences, reflecting on her son’s achievements and the harsh manner of his death, noting that the attackers did not steal any valuables but rather aimed to end his life. While the court opted against the life sentences requested by the family, they expressed satisfaction with the ruling, believing justice has been served.The 34-year-old athlete had garnered respect as a competitive runner, holding the Ugandan record for the 3,000m steeplechase and reaching the finals of the Beijing Olympics in 2008. His murder has contributed to increased anxiety regarding the safety of elite athletes in Kenya, where several incidents involving violence against athletes have been reported in recent years.
