Suspect in athlete Tirop murder case loses another bond bid

Ibrahim Rotich, the prime suspect in the killing of celebrated athlete Agnes Tirop more than two years ago, will spend more days in Eldoret GK Remand Prison, the High Court has ruled.

Justice Robert Wananda ruled that Rotich should spend another 61 days in remand as he waits for the court to determine whether he should be released on bond or not.

The judge ordered the probation officers to prepare another pre-bail report to help the court in determining whether the suspect will be released on bond or stay in remand.

“I direct the probation officers to prepare a fresh pre-bail report detailing the true situation on the ground. Let us know whether the situation on the ground has cooled down or it is still hostile as it were when the suspect was arrested in connection with the killing of the runner,” said Wanande.

The judge made the ruling after Rotich, who appeared before him during the mention of his murder case, pleaded with him to consider his application to be released on bond.

Rotich, 41, has been in remand since his arrest by sleuths attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) department following the death of his estranged wife more than two years ago.
The suspect allegedly killed Tirop on October 13, 2021 at Rural estate on the outskirts of Iten town, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Rotich, who pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, is represented by lawyer Ngigi Mbugua while Richard Warigi is representing the family of the athlete.

The accused, who went missing after the incident, was seized by detectives in Changamwe, Mombasa days after the body of the runner was discovered in her house.

During his previous attempts to be released on bond, the then presiding judge Reuben Nyakundi declined his request on the grounds that the suspect’s conduct had given the court doubts about his cooperation in the case.

“Bearing in mind that the matter before us is associated with gender-based violence and your conduct as the accused person has made this court doubt if released on bond you will be available during the proceedings. Even personal circumstances and steps you took after the incident have made this court ask so many questions about your availability if released on bond,” ruled Justice Nyakundi.

The judge further stated the prosecution had presented overwhelming evidence linking him to the killing of Tirop.

“The manner in which you behaved from the beginning makes this court deny you bond. However, you have a right to request the court to revisit the ruling at a later stage,” added Justice Nyakundi.

Tirop, a former World Cross-Country champion, was killed a few days after arriving in the country from a race outside the country. Her mutilated body was found in her bedroom.
It is alleged that she had been in a strained relationship with Rotich.
Justice Wananda, who has taken over the case, has directed that the matter be mentioned on October 9.