The primary suspects implicated in the homicide of Edward Benjamin Kiplagat, a Ugandan athlete of Kenyan origin, will be detained by the police for an additional 21 days to facilitate the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
Magistrate Cherono Kese of the Eldoret court granted the police’s request to extend the detention of David Ekhai Lokere, also known as Timo, and Peter Ushuru Khalumi during their appearance on Tuesday.
The Investigating Officer, Inyasio Mwaniki, sought more time from the court, highlighting that the post-mortem examination to establish the cause of Kiplagat’s death is pending.
According to police, the two used their motorcycle to block the road forcing the Athlete to hit the bike before stopping. They then stabbed him in the chest several times before slashing his neck.
The motive of the murder is not yet clear.
Mwaniki also emphasized that critical pieces of evidence, including blood-stained clothing and a dagger knife retrieved from the suspects, are awaiting analysis at the government chemist.
Additionally, Mwaniki informed the court that the CCTV footage from the crime scene is slated for submission to the cybercrime unit for authentication and processing.
Kiplagat met a tragic end on a Sunday morning in Eldoret’s Kimumu estate as he was en route to his residence. One suspect was apprehended in Langas, Eldoret, while the other was detained at the border of Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties.
Magistrate Kese directed that the two suspects be held at the Eldoret Central Police station. The case is scheduled for mention on January 24, 2024.
