ODPP to Launch Public Inquest into Brutal Killing of Businessman Philip Moi
“Anyone found culpable will face the law.” Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi
Caroline Cherotich Moi, overcome by emotion, speaks during a press briefing in Eldoret as she recounts the events surrounding her husband's death.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is set to open a public inquest into the brutal daylight killing of prominent Uasin Gishu businessman Philip Moi, who was murdered in April under what his family calls deeply suspicious circumstances.
Speaking to the press, Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed that the ODPP, together with other relevant investigative bodies, is working closely to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“An inquest will be conducted into the businessman’s death with a view to identify those responsible for his heinous killing,” said Mwanthi.
He further assured the public that no one will be spared, regardless of social or political status:
“Anyone found culpable will face the law.”
This announcement comes as a long-awaited relief to the businessman’s widow, Caroline Cherotich Moi, who has been vocal in her plea for justice since her husband’s death on April 3, 2025.
In an emotional interview, Caroline recounted the horrifying attack, which she says occurred in broad daylight. According to her, a mob led by known individuals, including an area MCA, stormed their home in Kipkenyo ward , beat her mercilessly, and then dragged her husband outside—where they allegedly assaulted him and set his body on fire.
“The criminal gang stormed our home and started beating me up before turning on my husband. They dragged him outside, hurled insults and blows at him, then set his body ablaze,” she said tearfully.
Despite being the victim, Caroline says she was arrested when she went to report the incident at the Central police Station.
“Instead of helping me or investigating, they locked me up and accused me of being behind my husband’s murder.”
She says she was denied the opportunity to witness her husband’s postmortem or even attend his burial.
“I was behind bars over false accusations and could not even mourn my husband properly,” she said.
Caroline alleges that the attackers accused her husband of practicing witchcraft and claimed they were looking for “bones” at the scene.
“They said they wanted the bones, but my husband kept telling them he had nothing like that,” she recalled.
“One of them even asked me to bring my phone to record them. Before I could, they snatched it and began beating me. The area MCA also struck me. I fell to the ground.”
Human rights activists have since condemned the attack and what they describe as the mishandling of the case by police.
Kimutai Kirui, Director of the Centre Against Torture (CAT), said Moi’s killing reflects a growing pattern of land-related violence in Langas and Kipkenyo.
“Since 2014, goons linked to local leaders have terrorized residents—assaulting them, burning them, or drowning victims in Sosiani River to conceal their crimes. The late Philip Moi is just one of many,” said Kirui.
He has called on DCI Director Mohammed Amin and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to intervene and take over the investigation.
The Eldoret Social Justice Centre also criticized how gender-based violence and murder cases are handled in the region.
“It’s unacceptable that a grieving wife reporting her husband’s murder is arrested,” said Benson Juma Akumu, a coordinator at the center.
The ODPP inquest is expected to shine a light on a case that has stirred public outrage and reignited concerns about impunity, extrajudicial violence, and the urgent need for reforms in law enforcement.
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