Two men convicted of murdering Ugandan Olympic athlete Benjamin Kiplagat were sentenced to 35 years each in prison by a Kenyan court on Tuesday.
Kiplagat, a prominent 3,000m steeplechase runner and three-time Olympian, was fatally stabbed on New Year’s Eve 2023 in Eldoret, a major training hub for elite athletes.
The sentencing followed a year-long investigation into the death of Kiplagat, who represented Uganda in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics.
Justice Reuben Nyakundi handed down the 35-year sentences to Peter Ushuru Khalumi and David Ekai Lokere, condemning their actions as “cruel” and targeting a “defenseless person.”
The court heard that Khalumi and Lokere had stalked Kiplagat, following him in his car before attacking him in a premeditated act caught on CCTV.
Although the initial motive was suspected to be robbery, police found that neither Kiplagat’s cash nor his mobile phone was taken, leaving the motive unclear.
During Monday’s sentencing hearing, Kiplagat’s mother emotionally appealed for a life sentence for the two men, reflecting on her son’s journey from barefoot running to competing on the world stage and supporting his family.
“My son had 8,000 Kenyan shillings ($62; £48) and an expensive mobile phone, but the killers did not take any of the property from him. Their mission was to painfully finish him,” she stated, as reported by The Nation.
Despite her request for a life sentence not being granted, Kiplagat’s family expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, noting that justice had been served.
The murder has underscored concerns over violence against athletes in Kenya, where several high-profile killings of runners have drawn public outcry and calls for action.
Kiplagat, who was 34 at the time of his death, is remembered as a celebrated athlete who reached the 2008 Olympic final in the steeplechase and remains the Ugandan record-holder in the event.
His death, alongside that of other elite runners in recent years, has reignited discussions on athlete safety in Kenya and beyond.
