T. NashipaeWorld Athletics lead fraternity in mourning Kiplagat
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 02.01.24. | 17:16
Benjamin, who was born in Kenya but represented Uganda in major competitions, was murdered in Eldoret’s Kimumu Estate.
The World Athletics governing body has led the entire fraternity in mourning the death of the 2012 African Championships bronze medalist Edward Kiplagat, popularly known as Benjamin.
Benjamin, who was born in Kenya but represented Uganda in major competitions, was murdered in Eldoret’s Kimumu Estate. He was found dead on Sunday, 31, in his car's driver seat with knife stabs on the neck.
Posting on their official account, World Athletics was saddened by the unfortunate and untimely death of the talented athlete. Benjamin holds the Ugandan 3,000m steeplechase record.
“World Athletics is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Benjamin Kiplagat. We send our deepest condolences to his friends, family, teammates, and fellow athletes. Our thoughts are with them all at this difficult time,” the body wrote.
According to the police, led by Moiben sub-county police commander Stephen Okal, two suspects have been arrested concerning the case. Okal further noted that the suspects included a boda boda rider and another person.
"We have the two suspects in custody, and they have been positively identified," said Okal.
Okal was also glad that the two were being held, noting that they were criminals who had been giving residents sleepless nights. He also pointed out that a mobile phone and money were stolen from the athlete, leading to suspicions that it could be a criminal incident.
He said the two were wanted criminals who had been tormenting residents of the region for a long time.
"We have cast our net wide as we go on with investigations to arrest anyone else involved," said Okal.
The late Benjamin was a high-flying athlete with a promising future. He won the 2008 World Junior 3,000m steeplechase silver medal in a time of 8:19.24, behind Kenyan Jonathan Ndiku Muia with 8:17.28, and Kenyan Patrick Kipyegon Terer settling for bronze in 8:25.14.
He narrowly missed a podium finish in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi after settling for fourth place in the 3,000m steeplechase.
He was an important member of the 2011 World Championships team in Daegu, South Korea, finishing 10th, and the 2012 Olympic Games, reaching the semifinals.
His success reads like a book, but he also won a bronze medal at the Africa Championships in Porto Novo, Benin, in 2012 before finishing in the heats at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, China, the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, and the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar.
May his soul rest in peace.
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