Ibrahim Rotich, the key suspect in the murder of athlete Agnes Tirop, has denied murder charges.
Appearing before Justice Reuben Nyakundi, Rotich, 41, pleaded not guilty after the mental assessment report from the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital showed that he was fit to stand trial.
Through his lawyer, Ngige Ngugi, Rotich indicated that he would apply to be released on bond as the case continues.
However, the prosecution led by David Fedha told the court they had already filed an affidavit on November 9, opposing Rotich’s release on bond.
“We have laid down reasons warranting the denial of bail, including that the accused is a flight risk,” said Fedha.
Fedha had said the suspect had to undergo mental tests before being formally charged.
“We are here just to apply for the suspect to be escorted for the mental assessment before being brought back for plea taking,” Fedha said.
According to the particulars of the charge, Rotich is said to have killed Tirop on October 12 at Rural estate in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet county.
A postmortem revealed that she died after being stabbed on the neck and being hit by a blunt object in the head.
