Agnes Tirop's husband to stay in jail longer

Ibrahim Rotich, the husband and chief suspect in the murder of his wife and athlete Agnes Tirop, will remain in custody for more than three months pending his bail application hearing.

The Eldoret Court Wednesday adjourned the case to March 9, 2022 due to the absence of presiding judge, Justice Reuben Nyakundi, who was is away on official duties. The hearing date was issued by Deputy Registrar Diana Milimo.

The court will also issue a hearing date for the main case on the same date. On December 3, the same court had directed the probation team to work on the pre-bail report to help in ruling whether murder  Rotich could be released on bond.

During a previous bond application, Probation officer David Barasa had requested the court to allow him to compile the report for two weeks.

During the plea taking on November 16, the prosecution, through state counsel Anthony Fedha, had already filed an affidavit opposing his release on bond.

The state counsel argued that the accused might influence, frighten or interfere with witnesses if released on bond.

The prosecution has lined up more than 10 witnesses including Rotich’s brothers and cousins.

Tirop's last international race was the Tokyo Olympics, where she featured in the 5,000m finishing fourth. She was found dead in her house on October 13.

Mr Rotich, who was the last person to be seen with the deceased, was arrested at Changamwe in Mombasa County on October 15 after being trailed for two days.

Detectives suspected that he was fleeing to a neighboring country.

At the same time, the court has issued an interim order to the family of the late Tirop to have custody of all her property until the matter is heard and determined.

The court appointed Tirop’s father, Vincent Tirop as temporary administrator of her property.