The family of renowned Ugandan steeplechase runner, Edward Benjamin Kiplagat, who was tragically murdered in Texas, Eldoret-Kenya, has chosen to bury him in Kenya in a surprising turn of events. After a series of meetings, the family has settled on January 11th as the burial date, with Kamendi village in Transzoia county, Kenya, being the chosen resting place for Kiplagat.
The decision stems from the proximity of their ancestral home in Transzoia, Kenya, just across the border. A family source mentioned, “That is why Kiplangat will not be laid to rest in Uganda but in the neighboring village of Kamendi on the Kenyan side of the border.”
Oscar Rotich, a resident of Kamendi village, emphasized that the family seeks peace and privacy during this challenging time. Rotich stated, “As the cross-border community residing at the Uganda-Kenya border, most of us are like Kiplagat in the way that part of the family is in Kenya and another across (in Uganda). So, whichever decision the family makes should be honored.”
The unexpected decision has sparked curiosity and speculation, with fans and the international community questioning the family’s reasoning. Innocent Diba, a fan, expressed concerns about the difficulty of the Ugandan government providing a deserved state burial when the athlete is laid to rest in the country of his death.
Uganda, known for its close-knit communities, mourns the loss of Kiplangat, and the family grapples with the responsibility of choosing the final resting place for their cherished athlete. According to sources close to the family, the decision to bury Kiplagat in Kenya, where he was part of the Global Sports Communication Management agency, was not made lightly.
William Cheptoek, a grassroots coach who scouted and mentored the runner, stressed the importance of respecting the family’s position, stating, “The family is grappling with unimaginable grief and has prioritized the need for Kiplagat to be buried in Kenya; perhaps they considered it a secure and serene final resting place for their son.”
However, the family has chosen not to disclose the specific factors contributing to this choice, leaving friends, fans, and the community puzzled.
Despite the picturesque landscapes and tranquil surroundings of Sebei region in Uganda, which had hoped to claim the burial rights, the family opted for Kenya. Fans, like Joel Chemutai from Kween district, believed the decision was not symbolic but rather a personal choice for a secure and serene resting place.
The Kiplagat burial place decision poses a challenge for Ugandan athletes who have been planning a fitting sendoff. Benjamin Njia, the vice-president of the Ugandan Athletics Federation, remains determined to ensure a befitting burial for the athlete who dedicated himself to representing Uganda in athletics.
The international community, led by Athletics Kenya (AK), expresses solidarity with Uganda, offering condolences and support for the grieving family. Barnabas Korir of AK urges the police to expedite investigations and bring the killers to justice.
In the midst of mourning, Moiben sub-county Police commander Stephen Okal confirms the detention of two suspects, a bodaboda rider in the region and another accomplice. The suspects appeared in a Kenyan court last week and were detained for 21 days to allow further investigations into Kiplangat’s murder.
