Doctor’s Murder Suspects Arraigned

Kapsabet, Monday June 12, 2023

KNA by Laban Kiplimo

Three suspects were arraigned before a Kapsabet court Monday in connection to the murder of Dr. Caleb Tanui two months ago.

The Investigating Officer Doreen Khaemba said the trio includes the deceased’s wife, adding they were arrested after one of them confessed to having participated in the heinous act.

She added that Tanui who went missing on 31st March 2023 had been involved in a domestic quarrel with his wife before his disappearance.

The investigating officer further stated that the wife reported her late husband’s disappearance at the police station and a few days later, his body was found in King’wal swamp in Chepterit location, Nandi County

The death prompted the elders to perform rituals to curse the culprits despite the fact that many residents suspected that the medic’s death was alcohol-related.

Khaemba told the court that Friday June 9, 2023 one of the suspects presented himself to the villagers and admitted having taken part in the gruesome murder.

The confession, she added angered the villagers who staged a demonstration along Eldoret-Kapsabet highway the following day, demanding the arrest of the perpetrators.

The suspects identified as Jonah Kiprop, Phillip Kimutai and Vivian Cheruto, were arrested on 9th and 10th of this month and locked at Kapsabet central police station.

While presenting her case to presiding Judge Justice John Aringo, she requested the court to detain the trio for 14 days to give her time to complete investigations including having the suspects mental status assessed.

She further stated that she had not received phone records of the suspects from Safaricom as she wanted to ascertain if there was communication among the three suspects prior to the murder of the doctor and even after.

But Cheruto's defending counsel requested the court not to detain her as she is the sole breadwinner of her two minors and that she was not a flight risk and has in fact been helpful to the investigation as she reported her husband’s disappearance.

The lawyer further stated that 14 days was too long given that the DCI has been investigating the case since 31st, of March this year.

The Judge however denied the accused’s plea stating that the respondents were people of interest in the case.

“I am satisfied that probable cause has been established, the investigating officer has six days to complete the investigations,” said Judge John Aringo.

The three suspects will be remanded at Kapsabet central police station for six days.

Courtesy ; K. N. A