ELDORET, Kenya – Two men, David Ekai Lokere, 25, and Peter Ushuru Khalumi, 30, were sentenced to 35 years in prison by the Eldoret High Court for the murder of Edward Benjamin Kiplagat, a Kenyan-born Ugandan athlete renowned for his prowess in the 3000-meter steeplechase.
The sentencing brings a close to a year of grief for Kiplagat’s family, who had been demanding justice.
Justice Reuben Nyakundi, who delivered the ruling, pointed to critical evidence, including CCTV footage, that implicated Lokere and Khalumi in the fatal stabbing of Kiplagat on New Year’s Eve 2023 in Kimumu Estate, Uasin Gishu County.
Though it was the first offense for both men, Justice Nyakundi underscored the weight of the prosecution’s evidence in reaching his decision.
The court noted the family’s request for a life sentence, a plea led by Kiplagat’s mother, Elizabeth Chemweno, who described the profound impact of his loss.
However, Judge Nyakundi determined a 35-year sentence was appropriate, balancing the need for justice with factors surrounding the case.
After the sentencing, Vincent Chemweno, Kiplagat’s brother, expressed satisfaction, noting that the verdict marked a significant step toward healing.
“We believe justice was served,” he said, speaking on behalf of the family.
Lokere and Khalumi have been granted 14 days to appeal the verdict.
The sentencing brings a close to a year of grief for Kiplagat’s family, who had been demanding justice.
Justice Reuben Nyakundi, who delivered the ruling, pointed to critical evidence, including CCTV footage, that implicated Lokere and Khalumi in the fatal stabbing of Kiplagat on New Year’s Eve 2023 in Kimumu Estate, Uasin Gishu County.
Though it was the first offense for both men, Justice Nyakundi underscored the weight of the prosecution’s evidence in reaching his decision.
The court noted the family’s request for a life sentence, a plea led by Kiplagat’s mother, Elizabeth Chemweno, who described the profound impact of his loss.
However, Judge Nyakundi determined a 35-year sentence was appropriate, balancing the need for justice with factors surrounding the case.
After the sentencing, Vincent Chemweno, Kiplagat’s brother, expressed satisfaction, noting that the verdict marked a significant step toward healing.
“We believe justice was served,” he said, speaking on behalf of the family.
Lokere and Khalumi have been granted 14 days to appeal the verdict.
