The High Court in Eldoret has sentenced two men to 35 years in prison each for the murder of Kenyan-born Ugandan athlete, Benjamin Kiplagat.
While delivering the sentence on Tuesday, November 6, Justice Reuben Nyakundi said scientific evidence and CCTV footage implicated David Ekai Lokore, 25, and Peter Ushuru Khalumi, 30, in the athlete's murder.
Justice Nyakundi also stated that the two did not show remorse after committing the murder, instead choosing to defend themselves despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.
The court granted Ekai and Khalumi 14 days to appeal the decision.
Speaking to the press outside the court, Kiplagat's brother, Vincent Chemweno, expressed satisfaction with the sentencing, noting that he believes justice was served.
Read More
"We are very grateful to the court for the decision that they have made, and as a family, we are satisfied with the verdict that the court has made," Chemweno said.
Kiplagat was murdered on December 31, 2023, in Kimumu, Eldoret.
After withdrawing money from a bank, he was attacked by the assailants who stabbed him in the chest while he was in his car.
The attackers stole cash and a cell phone before fleeing the scene using a motorcycle.
Kiplagat, a three-time Olympic competitor and national record holder in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, was found dead in his vehicle the following morning.
Ekai and Khalumi were arrested the following day and later convicted for his murder.
