Tirop murder case: Suspect resorts to bible as trial proceeds

Ibrahim Rotich, a suspect in the murder of athlete Agnes Tirop, was seen reading the Bible during the hearing of the case at the Eldoret High Court.

Rotich has been carrying a Bible, which he reads in court as the trial goes on.

Rotich is accused of killing Tirop and he is represented by lawyer Ngigi Mbugua in the trial that is being presided over by Justice Wananda Anuro.

Six witnesses, including Tirop's father, Vincent Tirop, and her brother Martin have so far testified as part of the 27 witnesses lined up by the prosecution.

Rotich is out on bond. He reports to the DCI offices in Eldoret weekly and has been barred from travelling to Iten where Agnes was found murdered.

Earlier, a businessman told the court how the deceased athlete got officially married to Ibrahim Rotich, who is accused of murdering the runner.

John Samoei from Kesses in Uasin Gishu produced a marriage certificate which showed him as a witness in the marriage.

Samoei revealed how he and his wife Esther Koech escorted the two to register the marriage at the then DC's office in Eldoret around 2016 to 2017.

Samoei said he was Rotich's friend since 2012 and knew Tirop through the suspect.

"I was present and signed the marriage certificate between the two," said Samoei.

After two years, Samoei said Rotich called him for a meeting in Eldoret town where the suspect revealed that he had differed with Tirop.

He said Rotich wanted him to talk to the athlete so that they reconcile.

Samoei said he got in touch with Agnes and they agreed to meet and talk.

Samoei said the couple appeared jovial and had a meal at his home after which Ibrahim said they had reconciled.

Tirop and Rotich spend the night at his home.