Tragedy has struck the athletics community as Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat was reportedly killed following a stabbing in Kenya.
Benjamin Kiplagat, a renowned Ugandan athlete specialising in the 3000-meter steeplechase, was tragically found dead in Kenya. He was 34 years old.
Kiplagat, born in Kenya but representing Uganda, had an illustrious career that included participation in several Olympic Games and World Championships, as per reports from CTV News
Benjamin's death discovery in Kenya
According to World Athletics, Kiplagat's body was discovered in a car on the outskirts of Eldoret, a town in the Rift Valley known for being a training hub for athletes. He had a deep knife wound to his neck, indicating he had been stabbed.
This incident has caused a shockwave in the athletics world, prompting investigations by Kenyan authorities. Stephen Okal, a local police commander in Eldoret, confirmed that an investigation was underway, with officers pursuing leads to uncover the motive behind this heinous act.
Kiplagat's Athletic Achievements
Kiplagat's career achievements were notable. He won a silver medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2008 World Junior Championships and a bronze at the Africa Championships in 2012. He also made it to the semi-finals in the 2012 London Olympics and competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics. His last major competition was the 2019 World Championships in Qatar.
The global athletics community, including World Athletics and Peter Ogwang, the state minister for sports in Uganda, has expressed deep condolences and shock over Kiplagat's untimely demise. The loss of Kiplagat is mourned not only by his family and friends but also by the entire East African region and the international athletics community.
Investigation and global reaction to Kiplaglat's death
This tragic event follows a similar incident from October 2021, where Kenyan distance running star Agnes Tirop was found stabbed to death at her home in Iten, near Eldoret. Tirop's husband, Ibrahim Rotich, is currently on trial for her murder.
Kiplagat's death is a significant loss to the world of athletics, and it underscores the need for greater attention to the safety and well-being of athletes. The ongoing investigation is crucial to bringing justice to this tragic case and ensuring such events do not recur in the future.
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