Two Men Found Guilty of Murdering Athlete Benjamin Kiplagat in Eldoret Court

The Eldoret High Court found Peter Ushuru, 30, and David Ekai, 25, guilty of murdering athlete Benjamin Kiplagat on December 31, 2023. Justice Reuben Nyakundi cited scientific evidence linking the defendants to the crime and referenced CCTV footage that depicted them attacking Kiplagat. Both men denied involvement, with Ushuru claiming he was at a nightclub, while Ekai narrated a robbery incident. They will be sentenced on November 4, 2023.

Two individuals, Peter Ushuru, 30, and David Ekai, 25, were convicted of the murder of Kenyan-born Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat by the Eldoret High Court. Justice Reuben Nyakundi announced the ruling on Monday, attributing the conviction to compelling scientific evidence linking the defendants to the crime on December 31, 2023. At the time of the incident, Mr. Ekai was allegedly riding as a passenger on a boda boda motorcycle, with Mr. Ushuru posing as his client. The court referenced CCTV footage that captured the two men pursuing Kiplagat as he drove his pickup truck towards Kimumu Estate along the Eldoret-Iten highway. The footage depicted one of the assailants brandishing a knife and menacing the athlete, while the boda boda rider assisted in the attack. Justice Nyakundi emphasized the weight of scientific evidence presented during the trial, which definitively established their presence at the scene of this brutal act. During court proceedings, both accused maintained their innocence, with Mr. Ushuru asserting he was at a nightclub during the time of the murder. “I was enjoying a good time at a night club in Eldoret town on the night the said athlete was waylaid and killed,” he stated. Mr. Ekai claimed he was offering transportation services that night and recounted a peculiar incident where a stranger, whom he had agreed to transport to Kimumu, robbed him of his motorbike instead. “I obliged and surrendered my motorbike to him for fear of being harmed by the stranger whom I had never met,” he explained. Represented by attorneys Mathai Maina and George Sonkule, the two defendants are set to receive their sentencing on November 4, 2023.

The case surrounding the murder of Benjamin Kiplagat, a notable athlete, has garnered significant attention due to the circumstances of the crime and the subsequent judicial proceedings. Kiplagat was a prominent figure in athletics, particularly known for his performance in the 3,000 meters steeplechase. His untimely death raised concerns over safety and crime within the region, prompting a thorough investigation. The prosecution relied heavily on technological advancements, such as CCTV and forensic evidence, to establish the involvement of the accused individuals. This case serves as a pivotal moment in addressing violent crime in Eldoret, reflecting the community’s demand for justice and security.

In conclusion, the conviction of Peter Ushuru and David Ekai serves as a critical step in the pursuit of justice for the late Benjamin Kiplagat. The ruling highlights the importance of scientific evidence in criminal trials and underscores the judicial system’s responsiveness to violent crimes. As the defendants await sentencing on November 4, the case remains a poignant reminder of the impact of crime on society and the ongoing need for safety measures within communities.

Original Source: nation.africa