Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-01-31 16:30:41
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is standing in opposition to the release on bond of two men who have been charged with the murder of Benjamin Kiplagat, a Kenyan-born Ugandan 3000m steeplechase runner. Kiplagat had previously represented Uganda at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and had competed in prestigious competitions such as the Shanghai Samsung Diamond League, Lausanne Athletissima in Switzerland, Paris Meeting Areva, and Hengelo Fanny Blankers-Koen Games in the Netherlands.
During the court hearing on Wednesday, State Counsel Anthony Fedha informed the Eldoret Court that the state would be serving the defense with an application to deny David Ekhai Lokere alias Timo and Peter Ushuru Khalumi, 30, bond, and a hearing for the application will be scheduled. Defense lawyer George Sonkule did not object to the application by the State and agreed to respond to the application upon being served.
The State intends to serve the defense with the application upon receiving a pre-bail report from probation officers and urged the court to issue an order to probation officers to prepare a pre-bail report. The court directed the probation officers to prepare the report before the State serves the defense with the application. The hearing of the bond application is scheduled for February 15, and a full trial of the case is set to commence on March 7.
Kiplagat had achieved significant success in his athletic career, winning silver in the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2008 World Junior Championship and bronze at the 2012 Africa Championship. According to the charge sheet, the suspects jointly murdered the athlete on the night of December 31, 2023, at Kimumu estate on the outskirts of Eldoret town within Moiben Sub County. The police launched investigations into the incident before arresting the accused on January 1. Kiplagat was buried on January 11 at his home in Kamendi village, Trans-Nzoia County.
The DPP strongly objects to the release of the accused on bond, indicating that there is a strong application to deny the duo bond. The proceedings in court reflect that the case is being taken seriously, with the State and defense working through the legal processes in the justice system. The seriousness of the charges, coupled with Kiplagat’s athletic achievements and the impact of his death on the community, underscores the significance of a fair and thorough trial. The court has set dates for the hearing of motions and the full trial, ensuring that the legal process is being carried out diligently.
The tragic loss of Benjamin Kiplagat has deeply affected the athletic community and the public at large. The legal proceedings surrounding his death are being closely followed by those who admired and respected his talent and achievements. As the case progresses through the justice system, it is essential that the process is fair, transparent, and respectful of the memory of the victim and the impact on those who knew and valued him.
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