Prime Suspect in the Murder of Renown Athlete Benjamin Kiplagat Detained for 21 Days
Two prime suspects in the murder of international athlete Edward Kiplagat will remain in police custody for 21 days while investigators complete their probe, Eldoret court ruled Tuesday.
Principal Magistrate Kesse Cherono remanded Peter Khaluma and David Lokere in custody at the Central Police Station after police, through a rushed application, sought more time to hold them before formal charges are filed.
Kiplagat’s body was found on Sunday morning in his vehicle near Eldoret, bearing stab wounds to the chest and a deep neck cut. Investigating officer Police Constable Mwaniki Inyasio of the Moiben Sub County DCI told the court they need more time to interview key witnesses.
“Your honor, we request to detain the suspects at Eldoret Central Police Station for 21 days pending completion of the murder investigation,” pleaded Inyasio. He stated concerns about flight risk, pointing out their arrests in separate locations linked to the case.
Kiplagat represented Uganda in several international races, narrowly missing a podium finish at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India. He competed in the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, and reached the semi-finals of the 2012 London Olympics.
Magistrate Cherono scheduled a case mention on January 24th to gauge the investigation’s progress. Justice for the slain athlete is still on the horizon, with many questions demanding answers in the weeks to come.
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