Benjamin Kiplagat: Ugandan long-distance runner gruesomely murdered in Kenya

Ugandan long-distance runner Benjamin Kiplagat has been found dead in Kimumu in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, on Sunday morning.

Kiplagat has reportedly been murdered in his car on the way to his home in Kimunu, with a deep knife cut down his neck.

Moiben Sub-county police commandant Stephen Okal revealed that they received a message from the public that an accident had occurred, and the officers visited the scene at about 5.00 am on Sunday morning.

It was then found out that there was a man lying in the driver’s seat, and he had been stabbed in his chest and had a deep cut on his neck, noting that the vehicle hit the motorcycle, which is believed the owners used to block him before committing the crime and fleeing.

“We are still investigating the incident to ascertain what really happened, but what we can confirm is that the man found dead is an international athlete called Benjamin Kiplagat,” Okal was quoted by NTV Kenya.

"Our officers are on the ground following crucial leads," the Police Commander further added.

Per the publication, Kiplagat, who hailed from Marakwet East, has been training in Eldoret.

Kiplagat specialised in long-distance races and represented Uganda in the Rio Olympics Games in 2016 in Brazil.

The 34-year-old received several accolades in the course of his 17-year career, including World Under 20 Championships Silver medalist and an African Championships Bronze medalist.

According to the World Athletics Rankings, he was placed 38th overall in the Men's 3,000-metre Steeplechase.

Kiplagat has formed part in several competitions including the Shanghai Samsung Diamond League, Lausanne Athletissima in Switzerland, Paris Meeting Areva and Hengelo Fanny Blankers-Koen Games in the Netherlands.

In June 2012, Kiplagat made history after clinching bronze in the 3,000-metre Steeplechase final, the first medal of any kind to be won by a Ugandan male athlete, to break the Kenyan dominion.