Two suspects, David Ekhai Lokere and Peter Khalumi, who are related to the killing of Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat, have been held in custody for 21 days, allowing the police to conclude their investigation. The arraignment of the two individuals occurred just a day after their arrest in connection with the murder.
The prosecution plans to charge Lokere and Khalumi with murder once the investigations are complete. Investigating Officer Inyasio Mwaniki sought the court’s permission to hold the suspects for the specified duration as he continued to gather evidence.
During the 21-day period, the police intend to conduct a post-mortem on the late athlete’s body, presenting crucial exhibits to the government chemist for further analysis. Additionally, this time frame will enable the police to present CCTV footage capturing Benjamin Kiplagat’s last movements to cybercrime experts for certification and production.
During the proceedings, Investigative Officer Moiben Subcounty Inyasio Mwaniki mentioned that they needed time to collect call data from the mobile phones of the suspects. According to him, police investigations will also involve running the history of the vehicle ownership of a Toyota Hilux (KBU 507 Y), in which Kiplagat was murdered, as well as the ownership of a motorcycle seen trailing the deceased’s vehicle on the day of the incident.
Mwaniki informed the court that their investigations would extend to Uganda to gather more information on the life and times of the late Benjamin Kiplagat. He emphasized that the ongoing investigation serves the interests of justice, justifying the 21-day custody of the suspects.
In response, the defense, represented by lawyer George Sonkale, pleaded for the release of Lokere and Khalumi during the ongoing investigations, citing their status as first-time offenders and asserting their constitutional right to be considered innocent until proven guilty.
”And we vehemently oppose that application. We have a robust and meticulous bill of rights, and with that, Iwill be referring to Article 29,” Sonkale said.
However, the principal magistrate, Cherono Kesse, granted the police’s request to hold the suspects for 21 days. Kesse’s decision considered constitutional provisions, the National Police Service Act, and the disturbance caused to the general welfare of the public by Kiplagat’s death.
The family of the slain athlete expressed confidence in the ongoing investigations. Benjamin Kiplagat, a prominent figure in Ugandan athletics, was found murdered under unclear circumstances at the age of 34. He had represented Uganda in the 3,000-meter steeplechase race in various major competitions, including the Olympics and World Championships, over nearly two decades.
