Benjamin Kiplagat: Kenyan-Born Ugandan Athlete Found Dead in Eldoret

• Kenyan-born Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat found dead
• Investigations are ongoing after the athlete was found with stab wounds
• The assailants allegedly used a motorcycle to obstruct the athlete’s path

Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat, renowned for his 2008 World Junior 3,000m steeplechase silver medal, has been found dead in Eldoret, Kenya.

The incident occurred on Sunday, December 31, 2023, in Kimumu, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

Local authorities were alerted when a distress call reported an accident.

According to Stephen Okal, the Moiben Sub-county police commandant, preliminary findings suggest a possible attack.

"We are actively investigating the incident to establish the details of what transpired. However, we can confirm that the deceased is the internationally acclaimed athlete, Benjamin Kiplagat," Okal is quoted by The Nation.

Officers from the Moiben Sub-county police department promptly arrived at the accident scene around 5 a.m. to investigate the matter.

Heavyweight broadcaster Robert Marawa, the voice of sports media in South Africa, celebrates 49th birthday

Boxing

Tragically, Kiplagat was discovered lifeless along the roadside, with reported stab wounds to his chest and a deep cut on his neck, as reported by the BBC.

The assailants allegedly used a motorcycle to obstruct Kiplagat's path, leading to a collision with his vehicle.

A native of Marakwet East, Kiplagat had been training in Eldoret and its surroundings before embarking on his athletic endeavours in Uganda.

He represented Uganda in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, where he narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth.

Additionally, he participated in the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, securing the 10th position, and the 2012 Olympic Games in London, United Kingdom, where he reached the semifinals.

Kiplagat's achievements extended to winning a bronze medal at the Africa Championships in Porto Novo, Benin, in 2012.

Kenya rugby fraternity in mourning

Sports Brief previously reported the passing of former Kenya international George Obonyo Adul, who died on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, in Mombasa.

Okocha unsure Super Eagles may qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Football

Ray Dawa, a former player and Chair of Mombasa Sports Club, announced that Adul would be laid to rest on January 5, 2024, at their farm in Mtwapa, Kilifi.

Dawa highlighted the family's financial challenges, appealing for support to settle the hospital bills and cover the funeral expenses, amounting to Ksh5 million.