By Kevin Sang, Eldoret
The High Court in Eldoret has directed homicide detectives to return a vehicle belonging to Moi University lecturer Miriam Rotich, which had been held since last year as part of the evidence in the ongoing murder trial of Kenyan athlete Agnes Tirop. The prime suspect in the case, Tirop’s estranged husband, Ibrahim Rotich, is accused of using the vehicle in an attempt to flee after the murder.
Justice Robert Wananda issued the order, informing Miriam Rotich that she was free to retrieve her vehicle, but with the condition that she would make it available to the court whenever required for the ongoing proceedings.
“I have issued orders to the homicide detectives to return your vehicle on condition that you will avail it to the court when required during the hearing of the late Agnes Tirop murder case,” Justice Wananda ruled.
The university lecturer testified that her brother-in-law, Ibrahim Rotich, had borrowed the car on October 12, 2023, claiming he needed to run an errand in Kitale, Trans-Nzoia County. Unbeknownst to her, Rotich allegedly planned to use the vehicle to escape after fatally stabbing his wife, Tirop, at their home in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, the following night.
Miriam Rotich expressed her shock when she learned of Tirop’s death through a news broadcast. Tirop, a 10,000-meter bronze medalist, was found dead in what police suspected to be a case of homicide, with her husband missing.
“Your lordship, I have filed an affidavit in the court requesting the release of my vehicle so that I can use it for my work at the university. I am ready and willing to avail the same to this court when required ~ Ms Rotich
After the murder, Ibrahim Rotich is said to have used the lecturer’s vehicle in a desperate bid to flee the country. He was eventually arrested by police in Mombasa, near the Tanzanian border, after crashing the car into a ditch while attempting to evade capture. The authorities linked him to the brutal killing of his wife, prompting an extensive manhunt that ended in his arrest.
In her affidavit submitted to the court, Miriam Rotich stated that she was ready and willing to comply with the court’s request to produce the vehicle during the trial.
“Your lordship, I have filed an affidavit in the court requesting the release of my vehicle so that I can use it for my work at the university. I am ready and willing to avail the same to this court when required,” she stated.
The car sustained damage during Rotich’s escape attempt, but it remains a key piece of evidence in the case.
Eight witnesses, including Tirop’s parents, sister, and brother, have so far testified in the murder trial. According to state counsel David Fedha, a total of 23 witnesses have been lined up to testify against Rotich in the high-profile case.
The trial is set to resume on November 5, 2024, as the court continues to hear testimony in the search for justice for the slain international athlete. Agnes Tirop’s tragic death shocked the nation and the global sports community, igniting calls for greater protection and justice for female athletes.
