Two suspects have been arrested in the case of the murder of Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat (a specialist in 3000m hurdles), the Kenyan police reports.

Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead in Kenya

Two men, believed to be in their 30s, were arrested near the Rift Valley town of Eldoret, where Kiplagat’s body was found in a car on Saturday, L’Equipe reported.

“The two suspects are known criminals who terrorized the population. The investigation is at an advanced stage and we can bring them to justice on Tuesday,” said local police chief Stephen Okal.

Kiplagat’s body was discovered in a car on the outskirts of Eldoret. Many long and middle distance athletes come to this town in the Rift Valley to train and take advantage of the altitude.

There was a neck wound on his body, but the motive for the murder remains unknown.

According to preliminary investigation, Kiplagat was ambushed by two suspects before hitting their motorcycle with his car.

“It certainly caused a violent reaction from them,” Okal told AFP, adding that one of the suspects was arrested with a knife that may have been used in the attack.

Kiplagat represented Uganda in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at several Olympic Games and World Championships, writes News.ro.