Wife of Slain Kenyan Athlete Charged with Murder, Two Others Implicated

The deceased former Kenyan athlete Samson Kandie's wife Rose Chepkemboi Rotich has been charged with his murder along with two other individuals.

The Eldoret High Court heard the details of the case, where Rotich, Jamlick Kiptoon Morogit, and Vincent Ng'ososei Kiprono were accused of allegedly killing Kandie on the night of October 3, 2024, at his Elgon View estate in Eldoret town within Kesses Sub County. The charges, which are contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code, were denied by the accused when they appeared before Justice Reuben Nyakundi. State counsel David Fedha presented the charge sheet in court, describing Ms. Rotich as the prime suspect and alleging that she collaborated with the other accused to eliminate Kandie.

The incident has left Elgon View residents in shock, with reports suggesting that the couple had a long-standing domestic feud. An application to release the suspects on bond has been deferred by Justice Nyakundi, who has directed the defense to file a formal submission adhering to all legal bond requirements. The judge instructed probation officers to interview all relevant parties and submit their findings to determine the accused's eligibility for bond release.

Additionally, defense lawyer Elijah Momanyi is mandated to ensure that sureties for the accused meet all necessary criteria, including submitting affidavits confirming their compliance with bond conditions. State counsel Fedha objects to the defense's bond request, emphasizing the importance of a thorough review by probation officers and other stakeholders to determine if the accused are suitable candidates for bond. The defense has five days to file their bond application and serve it to the prosecution, with a court ruling on the matter set for December 2.

The murder of Samson Kandie adds to a growing list of athletes in the North Rift region whose deaths are tied to domestic violence. Previous cases include the murder of Agnes Tirop by her husband in 2021, Damaris Muthee, and more recently, the death of Uganda's Rebecca Cheptegei, who was doused in petrol and killed by her estranged husband last month.