The two primary suspects implicated in the murder of Kenyan-born Ugandan athlete Edward Benjamin Kiplagat will be detained in police custody for 21 days to facilitate the completion of investigations.
Magistrate Cherono Kese, presiding over the Eldoret court, approved the police’s request to keep the suspects, namely David Ekhai Lokere, also known as Timo, and Peter Ushuru Khalumi, in custody during their appearance on Tuesday.
Inyasio Mwaniki, the Investigating Officer, requested the extension, citing the pending post-mortem examination to establish the cause of Kiplagat’s death.
Mwaniki explained that crucial information regarding the vehicle in which the athlete’s body was discovered and the motorcycle used by the suspects was still pending retrieval from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Additionally, the court was informed that significant exhibits, including blood-stained clothing and a dagger knife obtained from the suspects, were awaiting analysis at the government chemist.
Mwaniki also mentioned that CCTV footage from the crime scene was awaiting certification and production by the cybercrime unit.
The tragic incident occurred on a Sunday morning in Kimumu estate, Eldoret, as Kiplagat was en route to his home. One suspect was apprehended in Langas, Eldoret, while the other was arrested at the Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties border.
Magistrate Kese directed that both suspects be held at the Eldoret Central Police station. The case is scheduled for mention on January 24, 2024.
