A Kenyan court handed down a 35-year prison sentence to two individuals, Peter Ushuru Khalumi and David Ekai Lokere, for the brutal murder of Ugandan Olympic athlete Benjamin Kiplagat.
The High Court in Eldoret convicted the pair after a nine-month trial.
The court found that overwhelming evidence, including CCTV footage, proved their involvement in the premeditated killing of the 34-year-old steeplechaser.
Judge Reuben Nyakundi emphasized the cruelty of the crime, stating that the defendants had shown no remorse and deserved a severe punishment.
Kiplagat’s family, while seeking a life sentence, accepted the court’s decision.
The athlete’s body was discovered on New Year’s Eve 2022 with a fatal neck wound.
The tragic incident sent shockwaves through the Kenyan sporting community, known for its prowess in long-distance running.
Kiplagat, a talented athlete, had represented Uganda in numerous international competitions, including the Olympics and World Championships.
His most notable achievements include a silver medal at the 2008 World Junior Championships and a bronze at the 2012 African Championships.