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It has been nearly eight years since a peasant farmer in Uasin Gishu was killed and his mutilated body dumped in a locked house.

Trial of two people accused of killing Eric Kiplagat has never taken off despite several summons issued by Eldoret High Court to 10 key prosecution witnesses to testify in the matter.

State Prosecutor Emma Okok brought the matter to the attention of Justice Robert Wananda, noting that the case has never proceeded to full trial since Sammy Kipkorir and David Kanda were arrested in connection with the murder.

Witnesses have failed to appear in court for more than 14 times without giving any explanation for their action, a move that shocked the presiding judge.

Okok told the judge that failure by the State witnesses to appear in court and give evidence in chief has resulted in the delay in hearing and determination of the case.

The two suspects are accused of killing Kiplagat on the night of December 23, 2016 at Chakaiya village in Kesses sub-county.  The accused who are  out on a Sh300,000 bond each have denied the accusation.

Okok pleaded with the judge to issue a warrant for  arrest for the witnesses to appear in court to enable  speedy hearing and determination of the matter.

“Your lordship, I had summoned three witnesses out 10 to appear in court this morning and testify in the matter but to my surprise, none of them has turned up. These are some of the delays that have dragged the hearing of the murder case for a long period,” she said.

The first three State witnesses who had been lined up to testify in dock but instead failed to show up include Samuel Kipchirchir, Isaiah Tallam and Benjamin Kipruto.

Justice Wananda expressed shock that the murder case had taken a long time to dispense with, warning that he will not entertain any further delays.

“I am going to give you the last chance and if the witnesses fail to appear in court, I will see what to do regarding the matter,” noted Justice Wananda.

Judge adjourned hearing of the case to July 9.