DPP pushes to continue Agnes Tirop murder trial amid hunt for suspect Ibrahim Rotich
The case has faced multiple delays, having been adjourned six times due to Rotich’s absence. Justice Wananda had previously criticised the DCI for the slow pace in re-arresting the suspect, who vanished after being released on a Sh500,000 bail two years ago.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has moved to have the murder trial of celebrated athlete Agnes Tirop continue even without the presence of her husband and prime suspect, Ibrahim Rotich, who disappeared earlier this year.
Prosecutors told the High Court that the suspect has not been found despite ongoing efforts by police, and they are seeking court permission to proceed with the case in his absence.
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Prosecutors Lucas Tanui and Clea Mureithi said the law allows the trial to move forward while authorities continue their search for the accused.
“Since there has been no progress in efforts to bring back the suspect, we are seeking time to file an application to proceed with the case in his absence,” Tanui said as quoted by the Star.
Richard Warigi, representing Tirop’s family, said they support the request, emphasising the need for justice to advance.
Justice Robert Wananda directed the ODPP to submit a formal application within 14 days so the court can issue further instructions.
“I note that the suspect has been missing since early this year, and no progress has been made to trace him. The ODPP can file the application so that the court is in a position to give further directions,” he said.
A senior DCI officer appearing virtually assured the court that efforts to locate Rotich continue.
The next mention was set for October 15, with the court extending the existing arrest warrant against Rotich. Justice Wananda also ordered that Rotich’s lawyer, Ngigi Mbugua, who has not attended recent hearings, be formally served with the prosecution’s application.
Tirop’s parents, Vincent and Dinah, together with other family members, were present in court as the state made its request.
The case has faced multiple delays, having been adjourned six times due to Rotich’s absence. Justice Wananda had previously criticised the DCI for the slow pace in re-arresting the suspect, who vanished after being released on a Sh500,000 bail two years ago.
The bond has been forfeited to the state. Rotich had been ordered not to enter Iten town, where the murder occurred, to remain within Uasin Gishu, and to report weekly to the DCI in Eldoret.
The suspect disappeared in February, halting the proceedings. His lawyer maintains that he does not know Rotich’s whereabouts.
DCI homicide officer Philip Ndeta told the court that investigators are close to locating him. Corporal Ndeta said they believe the suspect is hiding somewhere within the country.
Agnes Tirop was found dead at her home in Iten town, Elgeyo Marakwet, on October 13, 2021. A government pathologist’s postmortem report showed she suffered stab wounds to the neck and blunt force trauma to the head.
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