Court drama as Agnes Tirop family protests delayed murder hearing

There was drama at the Eldoret High Court yesterday as the family of slain marathoner Agnes Tirop and human rights activists staged a protest over the adjournment of her murder case for the fourth consecutive time.

Suspect Ibrahim Rotich went missing for the past two months and when the case came up, investigations officer Phillip Ndeto said they were unable to proceed with the matter.

Ndeto told the court the suspect is still on the run, but they are working hard to find him.

“We are hopeful we will bring him back to court to face justice," he said.

Ndeto said they needed more time to trace the suspect.

“We ask that you grant us one month to locate the accused person. We are following crucial leads to arrest him," Ndeto said, adding that Rotich switched off communication completely.

Justice Robert Wananda directed that the matter be mentioned on July 23.

“I will allow an application by the investigating officer, Corporal Philip Ndeto, to be given one month so that they bring the suspect to court," he said.

As soon as he adjourned the case, relatives and activists who had donned white T-shirts with Tirop’s picture burst into songs, calling for justice.

They demanded that the accused be brought to court.

Justice Wananda's pleas for calm fell on deaf ears. “Now that I have dispensed with your matter, allow me to proceed with other pending court cases," he said.

Tirop's family has written to President William Ruto and the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanj,a to have the suspect arrested and brought back to court.

Her father Vincent Tirop and her uncle Daniel Borr said the unknown whereabouts of the suspect has put their lives in danger since they had testified against him.

Lawyer Richard Warigi, who is representing the family, said the safety of the family should be taken with the seriousness it deserves.

“The family is very disturbed and is urging the President and all other relevant security organs to do everything possible and bring the suspect back to court to face murder trial," he said.

The suspect had deposited his passport in court and there are unconfirmed reports that he is in a neighboring country trying to secure new travel documents.

“The family is urging the police to move with speed and arrest the suspect so that the case is not forgotten," Warigi said.

Human rights and gender activists have also supported the petition by the family demanding serious action.

Justice Wananda issued a warrant of arrest against Rotich for the second time after he failed to appear in court.

Rotich had been granted a Sh400,000 bond with two similar sureties or a cash bail of Sh500,000 two years ago after a second bond application.

A month ago, his lawyer Ngige told the court he was unable to trace him on phone or physically.

The lawyer said a report of missing person was made at the Eldoret police station and a search was launched.

So far 10 witnesses have testified in the case and 14 more are waiting to give their testimonies.

Tirop was killed on October 12, 2021 in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet county.

The international athlete was found dead in her home with stab wounds, just days after returning from Germany, where she had broken the women’s 10-kilometre world record with a time of 30:01.

She had previously won bronze medals in the 10,000-metre race at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships.