A Kenyan court has sentenced two nationals, David Lokere and Peter Khalumi, to 35 years in prison for the brutal murder of Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat, who was fatally stabbed on December 31, 2023.
The verdict was reached on Monday after a nine-month trial that revealed compelling evidence against the defendants.
On New Year’s Eve, Kiplagat was attacked as he drove to his residence in Kimumu Estate. CCTV footage played a crucial role in the prosecution’s case, showing Lokere and Khalumi pursuing the athlete before the fatal incident.
“The scientific evidence presented during the trial confirms that both of you were present at the scene of this heinous crime on the night of December 31,” the presiding judge stated during the sentencing.
Benjamin Kiplagat, a prominent figure in athletics, had a distinguished career spanning 18 years, during which he represented Uganda in various international competitions.
Notably, he earned a silver medal in the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2008 World Junior Championships and secured bronze at the Africa Championships in 2012. Kiplagat also made notable appearances at the Olympic Games, reaching the semifinals in London 2012 and competing again in Rio 2016.
