The Eldoret High Court has sentenced two Kenyans, David Lokere and Peter Khalumi, to 35 years in prison for the brutal murder of Kenyan-born Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat.
Kiplagat, 34, was found dead on the morning of 1 January 2024 in his car in Eldoret town having suffered fatal stab wounds to his chest and neck.
The court, led by Justice Reuben Nyakundi, confirmed sufficient evidence to convict Lokere and Khalumi.
CCTV footage played a crucial role in the case, showing the two men as they chased Kiplagat’s vehicle on a motorcycle before attacking him with a knife outside his home in Kimumu Estate, Moiben, Uasin Gishu County.
The footage, alongside other scientific evidence, placed the defendants at the scene of the crime on the night of the murder.
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“Scientific evidence that was produced before my court during the trial places the two of you at the scene of the brutal murdeer on the night of December 31, 2023, at Kimumu Estate on the outskirts of Eldoret town,” Justice Nyakundi ruled.
The court had been presented with a plea from Kiplagat’s family for the two men to be sentenced to life imprisonment.
However, Justice Nyakundi ruled that while no sentence could bring back Kiplagat, he gave them a 35-year prison term.
The judge emphasized the gravity of the crime but acknowledged that justice had been served.
After the sentencing , Kiplagat’s family expressed their satisfaction with the court’s decision, though they acknowledged that the loss of their loved one could never be undone.
Benjamin Kiplagat’s family satisfied
“As a family, we are satisfied with the decision of the court, even though the life of our beloved Benjamin cannot be restored,” said Vincent, a family spokesperson.
He also thanked the public for their support during the difficult period.
Benjamin Kiplagat, who had represented Uganda in three Olympic Games, was well-known for his performance in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, including a memorable semi-final appearance at the 2012 London Olympics.
Lokere and Khalumi have been granted 14 days to appeal the sentence.
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