Two suspects in murder of athlete Benjamin Kiplagat detained for 21 days

The two key suspects in the murder of Kenyan-born Ugandan athlete Edward Benjamin Kiplagat will now remain in police custody for 21 days to allow for completion of investigations.

Eldoret court Magistrate Cherono Kese allowed an application by police to hold the suspects; David Ekhai Lokere alias Timo and Peter Ushuru Khalumi, when they appeared before her on Tuesday.

Investigating Officer Inyasio Mwaniki asked the court to give them more time since post-mortem for the deceased is yet to be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Mwaniki informed the court that the details of the vehicle in which the body of the athlete was found and that of the motorcycle used by the suspects are yet to be obtained from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

He stated that the crucial exhibits obtained from the suspects, that is the blood stained clothes and a dagger knife, are also yet to be presented before the government chemist for analysis.

Mwaniki further informed the court that the CCTV footage obtained from the scene of crime is set to be presented to the cybercrime for certification and production.

Kiplagat was murdered on Sunday morning at Kimumu estate in Eldoret while heading to his home.

One of the suspects was arrested in Langas in Eldoret and another at the border of Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties.

Magistrate Kese ordered that the two suspects to be held at the Eldoret Central Police station.