Tirop murder suspect seeks plea deal
Prime suspect in the gruesome murder of celebrated athlete Agnes Tirop could face a lesser charge if the State accepts his request for a plea bargain deal with the deceased’s family.
The move could halt a full trial of the case facing Ibrahim Rotich, the estranged husband of Tirop. The Prosecution had lined up 13 key witnesses, among them the Government pathologist.
Rotich, through lawyer Allan Mbugua, told Eldoret High Court judge Reuben Nyakundi that he wanted to pursue a plea bargain deal as part of the healing process with her family
Expedite the matter
Lawyer Mbugua said they intend to file an application with the slain athlete’s family so as to expedite the matter.
“My client wants to pursue the plea bargain path with the family of his estranged wife to lessen the pain they are going through since her death last year. We acknowledge that life has been lost and it is so unfortunate. That is why we want to pursue a plea bargain deal,” Mbugua told the packed court.
He said they do not intend to pursue the trial murder, as it will cause more pain and anxiety to the family, owing to the circumstances the deceased was killed. Rotich denied killing his wife when he appeared before Justice Nyakundi on November 16, 2022.
His family members have given the case a wide berth.
The charge sheet alleges that Rotich killed Tirop on October 12, 2021, at Rural Estate in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The accused, who went missing after the incident, was arrested in Changamwe, Mombasa, two days after the body of the international runner was discovered in her house.
The judge, in his ruling yesterday, told both parties to report to court on September 22 on the progress of the plea bargain deal before he issues more directions on the murder case.
The accused is being held at Eldoret GK Remand Prison after the State counsels objected to his release on bond, saying there was great evidence connecting him to the murder.
They also argued that he might interfere with witnesses.
“The matter before us is associated with gender-based violence. Your conduct as the accused has made this court doubt that, if released on bond, you will be available during the proceedings,” Justice Nyakundi ruled. “Even personal circumstances and steps you took after the incident have made this court ask many questions about your availability if released on bond,” he added.
Tirop had just won the 10km road race, becoming the world record holder. She clocked a time of 30:01 at the Adizero Road to Records event in Herzogenaurach, Germany.
At 19 years,Tirop became the youngest winner of the World Cross Country race since Zola Budd in 1985, and the second youngest in World Cross Country history.
At the event, athletes participated in the men and women half marathon, 10km road race, and 5km road race in both categories.
Tirop was also part of Team Kenya for the Tokyo Olympics, where she was fourth.
