THE family of slain athlete Agnes Tirop has written to President William Ruto and the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, pleading to have runaway suspect Ibrahim Rotich arrested.
The father of the athlete Vincent Tirop and her uncle Daniel Borr said Rotich fleeing after he was freed on bond is a security threat to them, considering they had already testified against the suspect.
Lawyer Richard Warigi, who is representing the family, has formally written a letter saying the matter must be taken with the seriousness it deserves because of the safety of the family and justice for their deceased daughter, who was an athletics icon.
“The family is very disturbed and is urging the President and all other relevant security organs to do everything possible to have the suspect brought to court,” Warigi said.
The lawyer said the government has the capacity to arrest the suspect and bring him to justice.
The suspect had deposited his passport in court and there have been unconfirmed reports that he was seen in a neighbouring country trying to secure new travel documents in a bid to flee.
“The family is urging the police to move with speed and apprehend him so that this will not be just another forgotten case,” Warigi said.
Human rights and gender activists have also supported the petition by the family, demanding that action be taken to ensure justice is served.
On Tuesday, the High Court in Eldoret ordered the DCI to arrest Rotich, who is accused of murdering Tirop.
Justice Robert Wananda gave DCI officer Johnstone Sanga more time to ensure Rotich is brought to court as soon as possible to face justice.
Wananda also directed that Sh500,000 deposited by Rotich as bail be forfeited to the state.
“I order the DCI to ensure the suspect is arrested and brought before this court,” Justice Wananda said.
Rotich went missing, forcing the High Court to issue a warrant of arrest against him. Wananda issued the warrant after Rotich for the second time failed to appear in the Eldoret court for the hearing of his trial.
Rotich had been granted a Sh400,000 bond with two similar sureties or a bail of Sh500,000 two years ago after a second bond application.
