The estranged husband of murdered Olympic runner Agnes Tirop on Monday was arraigned in Iten and remanded for 20 days.
Ibrahim Rotich appeared before senior principal magistrate Charles Kutwa. He did not take a plea. A psychiatric assessment was ordered before he can enter a plea.
Prosecutor Judith Ayuma sought 20 more days to hold him in custody so investigations are completed.
Last Wednesday, on October 13, Tirop was found dead in her bed at their home in Rural Estate near Iten town. She had a knife wound or wounds to the throat.
Family members and friends have been narrating how Tirop faced serious marital problems, including violence, in the days leading up to her death. She lived at a training centre in Iten.
Rotich fled and was arrested by police in Mombasa after his car was involved in an accident during curfew hours. He is being detained at Eldoret police station.
The case will be mentioned on November 9 for further orders. He was whisked away DCI officers immediately after the orders were made.
Ayuma told the court that police detectives are yet to complete investigations and hope to apprehend more suspects linked to the murder.
“Your Honour, I plead for more time because DCI officers are yet to go round the country to carry out a probe with a view to apprehending more suspects connected to the killing of the slain runner before being charged for murder,” she said.
Rotich had lived with Tirop as her husband but they had no children.
Some of their relatives were in court.
Keiyo North OCPD Evans Makori said the house where Tirop was found dead remained a crime scene as investigations continue.
Detectives collected CCTV footage from the home and police said they believe it captured footage of the death scene.
An autopsy will be carried out this week at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
Tirop's parents Vincent and Dinah Tirop said they were devastated by her death. “She was a very good girl and really loved us. We never expected her life would be cut short in such a manner," her mother said.
Her father visited the crime scene. Police recorded statements from tens of people, including friends and relatives, about her last days and hours.
Athletes in the region are planning prayers.
Tirop was the 2015 World Cross Country Champion and had also participated in the recent Tokyo Olympics 5000M race, coming in fourth.
Police said they are also investigating a possible love triangle in the case.
Some athletes said her domestic problems had taken a toll on her and at times she looked disturbed. During running, she would relax with colleagues.
Colleagues revealed that Tirop did not have any social media accounts because of restrictions from her family.
She will be buried at her parent’s home on a date to be announced.
(Edited by V. Graham)
