Benjamin Kiplagat, a renowned Ugandan athlete, met a tragic end in Eldoret, Kenya. At the age of 34, Kiplagat’s life was cut short. His body was discovered in a car near Eldoret, a city celebrated as a prime training hub for athletes. The police investigation revealed that Kiplagat suffered multiple stab wounds, particularly to his chest and neck, leading to his death. “We are conducting a thorough investigation. Our officers are actively following up on leads,” stated Stephen Okal, the Police Chief of Eldoret City. Kiplagat was in Eldoret preparing for the upcoming season, as the city is a well-known athletic training center. He was scheduled to travel back to Uganda soon to commence his competitive season.
Kiplagat’s career spanned 18 seasons on the international stage. His notable achievements include winning a bronze medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2008 World Junior Championship and replicating this success at the African Championship four years later. He also proudly represented Uganda in the Olympic Games in Beijing, London, and Rio de Janeiro, in addition to participating in numerous world championships.
This incident in Eldoret brings back memories of another tragedy in October 2021, involving the celebrated athlete Agnes Tirop, who was only 25. She, too, was a victim of stabbing. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, faced charges for her murder. His trial, which commenced last month, saw Rotich plead not guilty.
