Eldoret Court Holds Slain Athlete’s Murder Suspects for 21 Days Pending Probe
Kiplagat represented Uganda in several international races, narrowly missing a podium finish at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.
Peter Khaluma and David Lokere, primary suspects in the homicide case of international athlete Edward Kiplagat, will be held in police custody for a duration of 21 days.
Principal Magistrate Kesse Cherono remanded Peter Khaluma and David Lokere in custody at the Central Police Station after police, through a rushed application, sought more time to hold them before formal charges are filed.
A Gruesome Discovery:
Kiplagat’s body was found on Sunday morning in his vehicle near Eldoret, bearing stab wounds to the chest and a deep neck cut. Investigating officer Police Constable Mwaniki Inyasio of the Moiben Sub County DCI told the court they need more time to interview key witnesses.
“Your honor, we request to detain the suspects at Eldoret Central Police Station for 21 days pending completion of the murder investigation,” pleaded Inyasio. He stated concerns about flight risk, pointing out their arrests in separate locations linked to the case.
Lingering Questions:
Inyasio highlighted crucial evidence still pending analysis, including a bloodstained knife believed to be the murder weapon, awaiting ballistic examination in Nairobi. An autopsy and retrieval of CCTV footage from the crime scene near Eldoret are also outstanding.
The suspects’ lawyer, George Songula, countered the detention request, claiming it lacked merit and that his clients suffered police brutality during arrest. “Your honor, the arresting officers confiscated mobile phones with money, returning them this morning before court appearance,” argued Songula, alleging a 28,000 Kenyan shilling withdrawal from the first suspect’s phone and 8,000 shillings from the second.
A Renowned Athlete Silenced:
Kiplagat represented Uganda in several international races, narrowly missing a podium finish at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India. He competed in the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, and reached the semi-finals of the 2012 London Olympics.
Magistrate Cherono scheduled a case mention on January 24th to gauge the investigation’s progress. Justice for the slain athlete is still on the horizon, with many questions demanding answers in the weeks to come.
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