DCI ordered to arrest prime suspect in athlete Agnes Tirop's murder after absconding court

The High Court in Eldoret has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to execute an arrest warrant for Ibrahim Rotich, the prime suspect in the murder of his estranged wife, a long-distance athlete, Agnes Tirop, after he absconded court for the third time.

Justice Robert Wananda, presiding over the case, expressed frustration over the police’s failure to arrest Rotich since the warrant was issued on March 18. When asked if Rotich had been reporting to the Eldoret police station as per his bail conditions, OCS Chief Inspector James Lenaso told the court that Rotich had never appeared before him. Lenaso, deployed in August, claimed he was unaware of the requirement.

The OCS added that he received the arrest order on April 1, despite the warrant being issued two weeks earlier. Justice Wananda criticised the delay, attributing it to laxity, and ordered the DCI to act. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of Rotich’s Sh500,000 cash bail.

The Investigating Officer, Corporal Johnstone Sanga, admitted they were unaware of Rotich’s bail conditions and only discovered his disappearance after the arrest warrant was issued.

Tirop, who tragically died aged 25, was a double bronze medalist in the 10,000m World Championships and a record holder in the women’s 10km race at the Adizero Road to Record event.

She was found dead at her house in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on October 13, 2021, with stab wounds on her neck. Rotich denied the charges against him.