Court jails two men convicted of Ugandan athlete Edward Kiplagat's murder

The High Court in Eldoret has jailed two men for 35 years after they were convicted of the murder of Kenyan-born Ugandan athlete Edward Benjamin Kiplagat, renowned for his 3000-meter steeplechase performance.

Justice Reuben Nyakundi jailed David Ekai Lokere, 25, and Peter Ushuru Khalumi, 30, for 35 years, noting the prosecution's substantial evidence including CCTV footage that linked them to Kiplagat’s fatal stabbing on December 31, 2023, in Kimumu Estate, Uasin Gishu County.

The footage also revealed one of the attackers, armed with a knife, threatening the athlete as an accomplice, a boda boda rider, stood by.

"Scientific evidence that was produced before my court during the trial places the two of you at the scene of the brutal murder on the night of December 31, 2023, at Kimumu Estate on the outskirts of Eldoret town," Justice Nyakundi said.

While the court considered this was the first offence for both Lokere and Khalumi, Justice Nyakundi emphasised the gravity of the evidence in determining their involvement.

Kiplagat’s family, represented by his mother Elizabeth Chemweno, had called for a life sentence. However, the judge concluded that 35 years was proportionate to the circumstances surrounding the case.

The court gave the convicts 14 days to appeal the ruling.

Kiplagat's family, with his brother Vincent Chemweno speaking on their behalf, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that it brought a sense of justice and closure after the year-long mourning of the athlete’s death.

Police launched investigations into the incident before arresting the prime suspects on January 1, 2024.

Upon their arrest, police said the suspects were wanted criminals who had been tormenting the residents of Eldoret town.

The deceased was a long-distance runner who specialised in 3000m steeplechase.

He had previously represented Uganda at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016 and also competed in a series of competitions including the Shanghai Samsung Diamond League, Lausanne Athletissima in Switzerland, Paris Meeting Areva, and Hengelo Fanny Blankers-Koen Games in the Netherlands.

He was laid to rest on January 11, 2024, at his home in Kamendi village, Trans Nzoia County.

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