Ibrahim Rotich, the main suspect in the murder of athlete Agnes Jebet Tirop pleaded not guilty Tuesday, before Eldoret High court Judge Reuben Nyakundi.
This came after a mental assessment report conducted last week established that Rotich was fit to stand trial. He is alleged to have murdered Ms Tirop on 12th, October in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County. He is so far the sole and main suspect in the gruesome murder.
Last week, the court directed that he undergoes mental assessment before taking plea and yesterday, Justice Nyakundi took time to explain to the accused why he was in court before reading the charges to him.
Meanwhile, Rotich’s lawyers applied that he be released on bail as the case progresses despite the prosecution has filed an affidavit to oppose his release on bail on 10th November.
Justice Nyakundi directed the prosecution led by Counsel David Fedha to supply the defence with the affidavit and evidential documents to build their case for bail application, with the hearing set for 1st December.
“The court will make a determination on the application based on the arguments that will be presented by both parties in the case and a pre-bail report from probation officers,” Justice Nyakundi said.
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