Authorities in Kenya disclosed on Monday that two individuals have been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat over the weekend.
The suspects, both believed to be in their 30s, were apprehended on the outskirts of Eldoret, a town situated in the Rift Valley region, as confirmed by local police commander Stephen Okal.
“The two suspects are known criminals who have been terrorising the members of public,” Okal told media.
Investigations into the incident are at an advanced stage, with plans to potentially arraign the suspects in court tomorrow, Okal further disclosed.
Kiplagat, a Kenyan-born athlete who represented Uganda internationally in the 3,000m steeplechase, tragically lost his life at the age of 34. His body was discovered in a car on Saturday night, bearing a severe knife wound to the neck.
While the motive for the killing remains unclear, police investigations revealed that Kiplagat had a confrontation with the two suspects after accidentally colliding with their motorcycle.
“This probably provoked them into that violent act,” Okal told media, referring to the stabbing.
Moreover, one of the suspects was found in possession of a knife believed to be the weapon used in the fatal attack.
Eldoret, known for its high-altitude region ideal for athlete training, has been home to numerous athletes.
Kiplagat, with a career spanning around 18 years, achieved notable milestones in athletics, securing a silver medal in the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2008 World Junior Championships and a bronze at the Africa Championships in 2012.
This tragic incident follows the 2021 killing of Kenyan distance running star Agnes Tirop, who was fatally stabbed at her home in Iten, near Eldoret, at the age of 25.
