The local police have reported the discovery of the body of Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat in Kenya, indicating a possible murder with a knife wound to his neck.

Various media outlets, including Uganda's Daily Monitor, have reported that Kiplagat, 34, was stabbed to death.

Kiplagat, originally from Kenya, had represented Uganda in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at various international events, including the Olympic Games and World Championships.

His lifeless body was found in a car on the outskirts of Eldoret, situated in the Rift Valley, on Saturday night.

Eldoret is renowned for being a hub for athletes who undergo training in the high-altitude region.

“An investigation has been launched and officers are on the ground pursuing leads,” local police commander Stephen Okal told reporters in Eldoret on Sunday.

He said Kiplagat’s body had a deep knife wound to his neck, suggesting he was stabbed.

‘Shocked and saddened’: condolences pour in

“World Athletics is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Benjamin Kiplagat,” the global athletics governing body said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.

“We send our deepest condolences to his friends, family, teammates and fellow athletes. Our thoughts are with them all at this difficult time.”

Peter Ogwang, state minister for sports in Uganda, expressed similar sentiments on X.