Kin of slain athlete wants caveat on her property
Wycliff Kipsang
Family of the slain athletics star Agnes Jebet Tirop, who was found dead in her house in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet county two weeks ago wants a caveat placed on her property suspected to have been transferred by her estranged husband.
People Daily has learnt that the athlete’s estranged husband, Ibrahim Rotich, the prime suspect in her murder, had transferred most of her property through dubious means.
The athlete’s family claims one of the plots was recently sold at Sh9 million. They now want to obtain a caveat to protect her property, alleging a plot by the suspect to secretly dispose them of.
“Our daughter worked hard to acquire the property. We want to ensure that all her investments are safe.
Nobody has a right to enjoy another person’s sweat,” said the family’s spokesperson, Jeremiah Sawe, during the athlete’s burial at her home in Kapnyamisa village in Nandi county on Saturday.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Athletics Kenya have offered to provide legal assistance to the family.
Among other properties owned by the athlete include six plots at Kesses near Moi University, a plot and house at Kipkorgot estate on the outskirts of Eldoret town and a missing car.
Somber mood
Sawe said documents indicate that one of the plots was recently sold at Sh9 million, while a plot and a house in Iten where the athlete was found dead are in the name of Rotich.
A somber mood engulfed Tirop’s home during her burial with mourners demanding for justice.
Thousands of mouners, among them athletes, coaches and friends turned up at St Michael Kapnyamisa Primary School during her burial on Saturday where they described Tirop as a promising athlete and role model to many. Rotich is in custody after appearing before Iten Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate Charles Kutwa last week.
He, however, did not take a plea with the State Prosecutor Judith Ayuma seeking 20 days to detain him, which was granted by the court.
“I hereby order that the suspect be detained at Eldoret Railways Police Station and mental assessment be done at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital before facing trial,” directed Kutwa.
Case will be mentioned on November 9 for more orders.
Rotich was apprehended by police in Changamwe after being trailed for two days last Thursday.
According to police, Rotich is the key suspect in the death of the star Olympian whose brutal murder has shocked the country and world at large.
During her burial on Saturday, her fellow athletes raised concern over Gender-Based Violence and emphasised the need to counsel athletes.
Takes over
Former 800 metre world champion Janet Jepkosgei said there was need for athletes to be empowered on how to prudently invest their hard-earned money.
“We also call on retired athletes to guide upcoming stars. You have really abandoned them,” said Jepkosgei.
World 5,000m world champion, Hellen Obiri, said Tirop was set to take over from her, as she had decided to transit to road races.
“She had promised that she would not let me down. It is sad that we are burying her on her birthday,” said Obiri.
Other athletes present included former Javelin champion Julius Yego, 800m world record holder David Rudisha, world marathon bronze medallist Amos Kipruto, multiple world and Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi and Jairus Birech.
