Former world cross country champion Agnes Tirop’s murder suspect, Ibrahim Kipkemboi Rotich has been denied bail.
The Eldoret High Court denied Rotich bail stating that it is not yet time to give bond to the suspect.
“Maybe the application for a bond can be reviewed at a later date, but for now the accused person will remain in custody,” Justice Reuben Nyakundi said.
Rotich is the key suspect in the murder of her track mistress who will be remembered for her blistering performance in the 10,000m at the world championship going on to scoop bronze.
The suspect will remain in remand prison with Justice Nyakundi noting that the prosecution had raised compelling reasons to warrant the denial of bond/bail.
He directed that a pre-trial conference for the case be held on June 12, 2022.
In his ruling, Nyakundi also said the court had considered the safety of the accused person in the decision to deny him bail.
According to the prosecution, Rotich was likely to influence, intimidate or interfere with witnesses stating among the ten key witnesses expected to testify in court are Rotich’s family members who are well known to him.
The accused has a right to appeal the High Court’s decision if dissatisfied with the ruling.
Last year Rotich was taken for medical tests and found fit to stand trial for the murder of Tirop.
Tirop was found dead in her house where she lived with Rotich as her boyfriend.