Kenyan court has sentenced two men to 35 years in prison for the brutal murder of Ugandan Olympic athlete Benjamin Kiplagat.
The sentence brings a measure of closure to the horrific crime that shocked the international athletics community and both Kenya and Uganda.
Peter Ushuru Khalumi, 30, and David Ekai Lokere, 25, were found guilty of stabbing the 34-year-old steeplechaser to death on New Year’s Eve last year.
Kiplagat’s body was discovered near his home in the northwestern Kenyan City of Eldoret, where he had been training.
After a nine-month trial, the High Court in Eldoret delivered the verdict, providing justice for Kiplagat’s family and friends who have been reeling from the loss of the talented athlete.
The court stated that the evidence presented by the prosecution was strong enough to warrant the lengthy sentence.
Benjamin Kiplagat, born in Uganda, represented his country in the 3000m steeplechase at the 2016 Rio Olympics and was a rising star in the sport.
His untimely death not only cut short a promising career but also left a void in the Ugandan athletics community.
Many took to social media to express their satisfaction with the outcome of the verdict, with some noting that the sentence sent a clear message that such heinous crimes would not be tolerated.
The sentence serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of Kiplagat’s life and career.
As the international athletics community continues to mourn his loss, they can now do so knowing that justice has been served.
