- Eldoret High Court orders urgent arrest of Ibrahim Rotich, prime suspect in Agnes Tirop’s murder.
- Judge Robert Wananda faults DCI officers for negligence and demands the suspect be produced “dead or alive.”
- Rotich vanished after breaching bond terms, including travel restrictions and contact bans.
- He reportedly bailed himself out without a surety, raising eyebrows in court.
- DCI officer pleads for a month to execute arrest; hearing set for June 12, 2025.
The High Court in Eldoret has come down hard on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), ordering them to immediately track down and arrest Ibrahim Rotich, the man accused of murdering celebrated Kenyan runner Agnes Tirop.
Justice Robert Wananda, delivering the ruling on Tuesday, April 8, instructed three homicide investigators—Corporals Johnston Sanga, Philip Ndedo, and Sergeant Julius Koima—to execute the arrest without delay.
Rotich’s Bail Raises Concerns
The court was stunned to learn that Rotich had secured his freedom without a surety, paying cash bail directly to the court despite facing a capital offence. Justice Wananda openly expressed his shock, questioning how such a serious suspect could be released under such loose conditions.
He slammed the DCI Homicide Unit for its role in allowing the suspect to slip away and demanded they produce Rotich “dead or alive.”
Court Terms Violated
Before vanishing, Rotich had been given strict bond terms. He was ordered:
Not to leave Uasin Gishu County.
Not to visit Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet, where Tirop was murdered.
To avoid any contact with Tirop’s family or prosecution witnesses.
He had spent two years in Eldoret GK remand prison before being granted bond—only to defy all court conditions shortly after.
DCI Requests More Time
One of the lead investigators, Johnston Sanga, appearing in court from Nairobi headquarters, requested at least one month to effect the arrest. The court allowed the plea, setting the next hearing for June 12, 2025.
The disappearance of the key suspect has reignited public outrage and calls for greater accountability in high-profile criminal cases.
