Tirop murder suspect Rotich now applies for plea bargain

Ibrahim Rotich, the prime suspect in the killing of athlete Agnes Tirop, has applied for a plea bargain.

The state had lined up 13 suspects for the murder trial against Rotich.

However, his lawyer Allan Mbugua told the High Court in Eldoret that Rotich wanted to pursue a plea bargain as part of the healing process with the family of the victim.

The lawyer said Rotich had instructed him to seek a plea bargain if the DPP approves his application.

“My client wants to pursue the plea bargain path with the family of his estranged wife to lessen the pain they are going through since her killing occurred last year. We agree that a life has been lost and it is such an unfortunate incident and that is why we prefer the route of plea bargain,” Mbugua said.

Mbugua said the murder trial would cause more pain and anxiety to the family owing to the circumstances under which Tirop was killed.

“Your honour, it's our view that a plea bargain deal will also help to expedite the matter for the sake of justice for both parties,” Mbugua said.

Richard Warigi, the lawyer for the slain athlete’s family, said they will look into the plea bargain application once it's filed in court before making a decision on the way forward.

“We are yet to be served with the application for plea bargain but once it comes, we will look into it and then decide on the way forward,” Warigi said.

Justice Reuben Nyakundi is presiding over the murder case against Rotich.

The judge directed both parties to report to court on September 22 on the progress of plea bargain deal between the suspect and family of the deceased.

Rotich first appeared before Justice Nyakundi on November 16, 2021.

According to the charge sheet, Rotich is alleged to have killed Tirop on October 12, 2021 at a rural estate in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet county.

Rotich has denied killing Tirop.

The court has twice denied him bail because of security concerns and possible interference with witnesses.

 

Edited by A.N

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