For the 4th time, Ibrahim Rotich, the prime suspect in the murder of former world 10km record holder Agnes Tirop failed to appear in court based in Eldoret.
Today, it was drama when the family Tirop protested over the repeated adjournment of the murder case with presiding Judge Robert Wananda, forced to adjourn the proceedings for the fourth consecutive time after Investigating Officer Corporal Philip Ndeto informed the court that Rotich is missing.
The murder, which happened on October 12th, 2021 in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County still active with Rotich’s lawyer, Ngingi Mbugua, failing to appear without explanation.
The homicide officer from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Police Constable Sanga, promised to provide an update on Rotich’s whereabouts, was also absent.
Rotich, who is charged with the murder of his estranged wife, Agnes Tirop, has denied the charges before the High Court.
Rotich went missing after the court handed him a Ksh 400,000 bail by Justice Wananda after spending two years in Eldoret GK Remand Prison. He was released under conditions that included not leaving Uasin Gishu County and regular check-ins at the Eldoret Central Police Station. However, he failed to report as required and has since disappeared.
Tirop’s father, Vincent Tirop, emotionally appealed for police protection, stating: “We are no longer safe as a family with the accused still at large. We are asking the police to provide us with security.”
Mildred Cherop, echoed the call for urgent action. “Every year we are losing a female athlete to domestic violence. The main suspect in Tirop’s murder continues to pose a threat to other female athletes. He must be arrested,” Cherop said.