Ugandan first lady spearheads mourning of Olympic hero stabbed to death in Eldoret

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ATHLETICS Ugandan first lady spearheads mourning of Olympic hero stabbed to death in Eldoret

Festus Chuma 22:00 - 05.01.2024

Ugandan Olympic star Benjamin Kiplagat was tragically stabbed to death in Kenya, leaving a nation in mourning and seeking justice.

Ugandan First Lady Janet Museveni on Thursday led her nation in mourning the tragic death of Benjamin Kiplagat, a celebrated Olympic steeplechase athlete, who was brutally stabbed in Eldoret, Kenya, on New Year's Eve.

In her dual role as Uganda's Minister of Education and Sports, Museveni expressed profound grief over the loss of a sports icon who had brought glory to his country on the global stage.

"It is with great sadness that we learned of the gruesome murder of our own Benjamin Kiplagat in Kenya," Museveni stated in a heartfelt message on her official X handle, a platform that rebranded from Twitter.

"This truly wonderful spirited son of ours had his life ended and taken from this earth for selfish reasons. My deepest sympathy goes out to our nation, his family, and the entire sports fraternity," she added.

Kiplagat, a 34-year-old steeplechase runner, was not just an athlete but a national treasure.

He represented Uganda in three Summer Olympics (2008, 2012, and 2016) and six World Athletics Championships, showcasing his remarkable talent in the 3000 meters steeplechase.

His semi-final appearance at the 2012 London Olympics remains a memorable highlight of his illustrious career.

The shocking incident occurred in Eldoret, a town in the Rift Valley region, where Kiplagat was residing and training.

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According to Moiben Police Commander Stephen Okal, the athlete's body was discovered in his brother's car near Kimumu Secondary School along the Eldoret-Iten road.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Kiplagat was robbed of money and his cellphone, indicating a possible motive behind this heinous crime.

In the wake of this tragedy, two suspects, David Lokere and Peter Khalumi, were apprehended with the aid of CCTV footage.

They appeared in court in Eldoret on Tuesday, with the court ordering their detention at the Eldoret Central Police Station for 21 days as investigations continue.

Museveni's statement also included a promise of support and assistance to Kiplagat's grieving family during this difficult time.

"My office will be in touch with his family to provide support and assistance in this trying period. We pray that the perpetrators will be brought to book and that justice will prevail. May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace," she concluded.

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