Wife of Former Marathon Champion Among Four Arrested in Connection to Brutal Eldoret Murder
Investigating Officer Felix Chirchir informed Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ireri that the suspects were apprehended from various hideouts around Eldoret following the killing of the retired international athlete on October 3, 2024, in Uasin Gishu County.
The wife of former marathon champion Samson Kandie, 53, is among four suspects arrested in connection with his brutal murder at their residence in Elgon View Estate, Eldoret, a court was told yesterday.
Investigating Officer Felix Chirchir informed Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ireri that the suspects were apprehended from various hideouts around Eldoret following the killing of the retired international athlete on October 3, 2024, in Uasin Gishu County.
“The suspects, identified as Jamilat Morogit, Kelnin Juma, Felix Murambi, and Rose Rotich, were arrested on Wednesday by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and are being held at Langas Police Station,” Chirchir told the court.
In his application, Chirchir sought 14 days to detain the suspects, stating, “Your honor, we request 14 days to hold the suspects at Langas Police Station to complete our investigations into the murder.”
Chirchir revealed that two additional suspects remain at large, and the police have yet to complete recording statements from those in custody. He further expressed concerns about the potential for interference if the suspects were released on bail. “We fear that if the suspects are released on bail, they may interfere with the ongoing investigation, where they are the prime suspects,” he added.
He also requested that the suspects undergo mental assessment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital before their plea is taken at the Eldoret High Court.
Magistrate Ireri granted the request, stating, “I allow the Investigating Officer’s request to detain the four suspects for 14 days pending the completion of the investigation.” The Magistrate directed that the case be mentioned before the Eldoret High Court Deputy Registrar on November 7 to assess the progress of the investigation and the mental evaluation of the suspects.
The murder of the celebrated marathoner has shocked Uasin Gishu County. According to the Uasin Gishu County Police Commander, Kandie was ambushed at his home by unknown assailants, who fled with his mobile phone after the attack. The retired athlete, known for his victories in the 2002 Sapporo and 2004 Vienna marathons, was found with severe injuries, his hands and legs bound.
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