The High Court has taken decisive action against Ibrahim Rotich, the prime suspect in the murder of international athlete Agnes Tirop. Justice Robert Wananda issued a stern order directing the Director of Criminal Investigations to arrest Rotich and bring him to court to face justice for the alleged crime.
The judge ruled that the Sh500,000 cash bail previously deposited must be forfeited to the state. Rotich's repeated absence from court hearings prompted the issuance of an arrest warrant. The Eldoret police station's officer-in-charge, James Lenaso, testified that Rotich had never reported to the station as required under his bail conditions, despite being released in November 2024.
Rotich's lawyer, Ngige Mbugua, admitted inability to locate his client, reporting that the suspect's phone remained inactive and a missing person report had been filed. The prosecution argued that Rotich had deliberately jumped bail, undermining the judicial process. The case involves the alleged murder of Tirop on October 12, 2021, at her rural estate in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The tragic background reveals Tirop as a celebrated athlete who had recently broken the women's 10-kilometer world record with a time of 30:01 and won bronze medals at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships. She was found dead with multiple stab wounds shortly after returning from Germany. Ten witnesses have already testified, with 14 more expected to provide testimony.
Tirop's family, led by her father Vincent, attended the court proceedings, expressing deep frustration and a singular desire for justice. They emphasized the importance of bringing Rotich back to court to answer for the alleged murder. The case continues to draw significant attention as the legal system works to hold the suspect accountable for this shocking crime against the accomplished athlete.
The judge ruled that the Sh500,000 cash bail previously deposited must be forfeited to the state. Rotich's repeated absence from court hearings prompted the issuance of an arrest warrant. The Eldoret police station's officer-in-charge, James Lenaso, testified that Rotich had never reported to the station as required under his bail conditions, despite being released in November 2024.
Rotich's lawyer, Ngige Mbugua, admitted inability to locate his client, reporting that the suspect's phone remained inactive and a missing person report had been filed. The prosecution argued that Rotich had deliberately jumped bail, undermining the judicial process. The case involves the alleged murder of Tirop on October 12, 2021, at her rural estate in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The tragic background reveals Tirop as a celebrated athlete who had recently broken the women's 10-kilometer world record with a time of 30:01 and won bronze medals at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships. She was found dead with multiple stab wounds shortly after returning from Germany. Ten witnesses have already testified, with 14 more expected to provide testimony.
Tirop's family, led by her father Vincent, attended the court proceedings, expressing deep frustration and a singular desire for justice. They emphasized the importance of bringing Rotich back to court to answer for the alleged murder. The case continues to draw significant attention as the legal system works to hold the suspect accountable for this shocking crime against the accomplished athlete.
