First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, expressed her deep sorrow over the untimely demise of Olympian Benjamin Kiplagat, who was tragically murdered in Kenya over the weekend. The 34-year-old, born in Kenya but representing Uganda, was found dead in a car on Saturday night with a reported knife wound to his neck, prompting Kenyan authorities to launch investigations.
Kiplagat’s athletic career as a 3000m steeplechaser spanned almost two decades, marked by notable achievements such as reaching the semi-finals of the London 2012 Olympics. His success in the sporting arena included a silver medal at the 2008 World Junior Championships. The news of his brutal murder has sent shockwaves through the sports community.
Expressing her condolences, Mrs. Museveni took to Twitter on Thursday, January 4, 2024, saying, “It is with great sadness that we learned of the gruesome murder of our own Benjamin Kiplagat in Kenya. This truly wonderful spirited son of ours had his life ended and taken from this earth for selfish reasons. My deepest sympathy goes out to our nation, his family, and the entire sports fraternity.”
The First Lady pledged her office’s support and assistance to Kiplagat’s family during this trying period, while also calling for swift justice against the perpetrators. She concluded her message with a heartfelt prayer, “May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace.”
Benjamin Kiplagat, born on March 4, 1989, began his international career at the 2006 World Cross Country Championships. Initially competing in the 10,000 meters, he later focused on the 1500 and 5000 meters under the guidance of his coach. Kiplagat’s achievements included setting national junior records, finishing fourth in the World Cross Country Championships in 2008, and representing Uganda in multiple international competitions.
Despite facing health challenges, including malaria and typhoid in 2009 and 2010, Kiplagat continued to break national records, with his best time in the 3000 meters steeplechase recorded at 8:03.81. His legacy as a talented and resilient athlete will be remembered, while the circumstances surrounding his tragic end continue to raise concerns about the safety of athletes beyond the track.
