Eldoret, Kenya | NOW THEN DIGITAL — The global athletics community mourns the loss of another talented athlete, Benjamin Kiplagat, who tragically lost his life in Kenya’s Kimumu, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County on a fateful Sunday night. Kiplagat, the 2008 World Junior 3,000m steeplechase silver medalist representing Uganda, was found murdered along the road on his way home in Kimumu.
Moiben Sub-county police commandant Stephen Okal reported that they received a message about an accident, prompting officers to investigate the scene around 5 am on Sunday. Upon examination, they discovered Kiplagat lying at the driver’s seat, having been stabbed in the chest with a deep cut on his neck. The investigation revealed that a motorcycle, believed to be owned by the assailants, was used to block him before committing the crime and fleeing.
“We are still investigating the incident to ascertain what really happened,” stated Okal.
He added: ”but what we can confirm is that the man found dead is an international athlete called Benjamin Kiplagat,”
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Originally from Marakwet East, Kiplagat had been training in Eldoret before heading to Uganda for various competitions. His notable achievements include representing Uganda in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, where he narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth. He also participated in the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, securing the 10th position, and the 2012 Olympic Games in London, United Kingdom, where he reached the semifinals.
Kiplagat’s athletic journey continued with a bronze medal at the Africa Championships in Porto Novo, Benin, in 2012. Despite facing challenges in subsequent competitions, including the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, China, the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, and the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar, Kiplagat’s dedication to the sport remained unwavering.
The friends and fellow athletes of Benjamin Kiplagat gathered at the scene, reflecting on the loss of their comrade. A motorbike suspected to have been used by the assailants was found at the Ainabtich Police Station, where the incident was reported on December 31, 2023.
As the investigation unfolds, the athletics fraternity mourns the untimely demise of Benjamin Kiplagat, remembering his contributions to the sport and the indomitable spirit with which he approached every competition.
