A Kenyan court has sentenced Peter Ushuru Khalumi, 30, and David Ekai Lokere, 25, to 35 years in prison for the murder of Ugandan Olympic athlete Benjamin Kiplagat.
The High Court in Eldoret found the men guilty of fatally stabbing Kiplagat, 34, last year.
Judge Reuben Nyakundi said CCTV evidence showed the pair intentionally killed the athlete and showed no remorse.
“You cruelly took the life of a defenceless person,” Nyakundi told the defendants, emphasizing that the crime violated the natural order of life.
Despite a request from Kiplagat’s family for life sentences, the judge handed down 35-year terms.
Kiplagat’s body was found on New Year’s Eve in his car, with a fatal neck wound. His death shocked Kenya, known for its long-distance runners, prompting an outpouring of tributes.
Kiplagat, who represented Uganda in the 3,000m steeplechase, had a distinguished career, including competing in two Olympic Games.
He set a national record for Uganda in 2007 and won medals at international championships.
This killing adds to the growing list of violence against prominent athletes in Kenya.
