Man accused of killing athlete Agnes Tirop missing, arrest warrant issued

A man accused of killing the late former Cross Country Champion Agnes Tirop has missed court on many occasions, forcing the trial magistrate to issue an arrest warrant.

The arrest warrant was issued Tuesday in Eldoret after the suspect Ibrahim Rotich failed to appear in court for a second consecutive time despite being aware of his court appearance.

The court was told Wednesday that Rotich, who was Tirop's estranged husband at the time of her premature death, had not been seen or heard from for a while.

This includes family members and his lawyer Mbugua Ngingi, Nation Africa reported.

According to his lawyer, Rotich had even shifted homes in recent times and could not be traced on either of his mobile phones, the report states.

Rotich also missed a different hearing that took place in February. He has been enjoying freedom courtesy of a Ksh 400,000 cash bail.

Tirop, who died in October 2021 was found dead at her home in Iten. She had reportedly been complaining to family and close confidants about Rotich and their failing relationship.

The court, through trial judge Justice Robert Wananda, adjourned the case till April 8.

He has summoned the Eldoret CBD OCS to answer on the whereabouts of the missing Rotich.

The prosecution has lined up over 20 witnesses as it aims to jail Rotich for his alleged crime.