Benjamin Kiplagat Murder: CCTV Footage That Led To Arrest Of 2 Suspects [VIDEO]

One of the suspects was arrested in Uasin Gishu County, while the second was traced to Trans Nzoia County.

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Jan 1, 2024 - 16:04
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Benjamin Kiplagat Murder: CCTV Footage That Led To Arrest Of 2 Suspects [VIDEO]
Suspects arrested in connection to the murder of Olympian Benjamin Kiplagat (right). /VIRAL TEA KE

Police in Eldoret on Monday, January 1 arrested two suspects in connection to the murder of Kenyan-born Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat.

Moiben Sub-County Police Commander Stephen Okal revealed that one of the suspects was arrested in Uasin Gishu County, while the second was traced to Trans Nzoia County.

"We relied on CCTV footage obtained from the scene of the crime and other technical clues to pursue and arrest the suspects," he stated.

The footage seen by Viral Tea showed the last moments of the murder, with a black Toyota Hilux which Kiplagat was driving, heading away from the full view of the camera with a man following closely behind.

Here is the video:

However, the man was seen stopping to observe the happenings as the vehicle was reportedly intercepted by a motorcycle which is believed to have blocked his route.

After the athlete knocked it down, the riders were suspected to have committed the crime and fled the scene, with the footage capturing them making their escape, and leaving the motorcycle behind.

According to Okal, the officers were notified of an accident involving a motor vehicle and a motorcycle in the Kimumu area at around 5:00 am, only to find a deceased body in the driver's seat, which bore multiple stab wounds on the chest and neck.

The two suspects will be arraigned in court on Tuesday, January 2 to face charges over Kiplagat's murder.

As police aim to unravel the motive behind the killing of the athlete, Okal, who elaborated on ongoing investigations, revealed that the suspects meticulously relied on Kiplagat's routine to commit the crime.

"The athlete was fond of attending late-night meetings with fellow athletes in Elgeyo Marakwet and thereafter proceeded to head home," said the police.

Born and bred in Elgeyo Marakwet, Kiplagat had changed his nationality to Uganda and represented the country in global competitions such as the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, stamping his dominance in the men's 3,000-metre Steeplechase event.

In December, the athlete was training in Iten in preparation for the upcoming athletics events slated for 2024. 

Following the incident, World Athletics expressed its shock over Kiplagat's passing and sent its condolences to his friends and family, among others.

"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 global athletics governing body stated.

Benjamin Kiplagat in action during a past athletics event. /WORLD ATHLETICS

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