The murder of Kenyan athlete Agnes Tirop has taken a dramatic turn, as the main suspect, Ibrahim Rotich, has gone into hiding. Eldoret High Court Judge Justice Robert Wananda has now directed three investigating officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) homicide department to urgently execute an arrest warrant for Rotich, who is reportedly evading capture. The officers in question are Corporals Johnston Sanga and Philip Ndedo, as well as Police Sergeant Julius Koima, who have been tasked with locating and apprehending Rotich.
Rotich, who was previously released on bond after being charged with the murder of the celebrated athlete, is now facing heightened scrutiny. Judge Wananda expressed his shock upon learning that Rotich had managed to secure his release by depositing cash bail without needing anyone to stand surety on his behalf. This raised questions about the conditions under which he had been granted his release, particularly in a case as serious as a capital offense. His ability to secure bail under such circumstances seemed to underscore significant issues within the legal and police processes involved in the case.
The judge’s frustration was compounded by the revelation that Rotich had breached all the conditions imposed by the court when he was granted bail. The most alarming of these breaches was Rotich’s failure to remain within the jurisdiction of Uasin Gishu County, the region where the court has authority, and his subsequent disappearance. He had also been explicitly instructed not to enter Iten, the town in Elgeyo Marakwet County where Tirop’s murder took place, and was prohibited from contacting members of the victim’s family and prosecution witnesses. However, his disappearance has made it clear that the conditions set by the court were not adhered to, prompting Judge Wananda to accuse the police officers of negligence in their handling of the case.
One particularly unsettling development came when the Officer Commanding Eldoret Central Police Station (OCS), James Lenaso, admitted that, since taking office in April 2024, he had never recorded the attendance of the suspect. This raised serious questions about the level of oversight and diligence applied in ensuring that Rotich complied with the conditions of his release. The court’s frustration with the police’s laxity was evident, as the judge demanded that they bring Rotich to court, alive or dead.
In light of these developments, one of the investigation officers, Johnston Sanga, requested the court for an additional month to complete the search for Rotich and execute the arrest order. While the court acknowledged the challenges in apprehending the fugitive, it expressed a clear expectation that Rotich should be brought before the court. The case is now scheduled for a hearing on June 12, 2025, with the hope that by that time, the accused will have been captured and will face justice.
The ongoing search for Ibrahim Rotich highlights the growing tension surrounding the case of Agnes Tirop’s murder. The late athlete, who was a rising star in Kenyan athletics, was found dead in her home in 2021. Her tragic death has left a profound impact on the Kenyan sporting community and has sparked widespread calls for justice. As the authorities continue their efforts to apprehend Rotich, the case remains a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in securing justice for victims of violent crime.
