Suspect in murder of athlete Agnes Tirop denied bond

May 11, 2022 News,

Rotich, who is being accused of killing Tirop at her home in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County on October 13 last year, had asked the court to release him on bond.

While taking plea at November 16 last year, Rotich denied murdering Tirop who until her death was the reigning cross country champion.

His application for bond was opposed by state counsel Anthony Fedha who objected the application arguing that Rotich or interfere with witnesses if released.

Prosecution also told the court that the accused did not have a permanent residence and thus might be a flight risk.

The prosecution further revealed that among the key witnesses expected to testify, some are relatives of the accused.

The prosecution further told the court that Rotich had threatened to take his life before his arrest.

While delivering his ruling on Tuesday, Eldoret High Court Judge Justice Reuben Nyakundi noted that the conduct of the accused person since the incident was questionable hence the court found it hard to release him on bond.

“Bearing in mind that the matter before us is associated with gender-based violence and your conduct as the accused person has made this court to doubt if released on bond you will be available during the proceedings. Even personal circumstances and steps you took after the incident have made this court ask so many questions about your availability if released on bond,” ruled the Justice Nyakundi

He added that the court declined to release the accused on bond because of the "overwhelming evidence" presented by the prosecution against his release on bond

“The manner in which you behaved from the beginning makes this court deny you a bond. However, you have a right to request the court to revisit the ruling at a later stage,” ruled Justice Nyakundi.

Rotich was arrested in Mombasa two days after the murder of the athlete with the DCI officer reporting that he was trying to flee the country.

The case will be mentioned on June 22.