Court details of Samson Kandie's murder as wife becomes prime suspect
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 14.11.24. | 16:37
According to a police report, Kandie was rushed to a hospital in Eldoret, where he was pronounced dead
Rose Chepkemboi Rotich, the wife of slain retired Kenyan marathoner Samson Kandie has been implicated as the prime suspect alongside two other individuals in connection with the athlete's death.
The former Vienna City Marathon champion was allegedly murdered on the night of Thursday 3 October 2024, in his Elgon View estate home in Eldoret.
The Eldoret High Court heard the charges against Rotich, a mother of four, together with other suspects; Jamlick Kiptoon Morogit, and Vincent Ng'ososei Kiprono. The trio was accused under Sections 203 and 204 of the Penal Code.
State counsel David Fedha identified Rotich as the primary suspect, alleging she colluded with the other two defendants to carry out the murder.
This revelation stunned the Elgon View neighbourhood, where residents reportedly recounted a history of domestic disputes between Kandie and Rotich.
The bond release request for the suspects was deferred by Justice Nyakundi, who insisted on a formal submission that meets legal bond standards.
Probation officers were assigned to assess the case, interviewing relevant parties to help determine whether the accused qualified for bond.
Justice Nyakundi also instructed the defense lawyer, Elijah Momanyi, to ensure that any sureties presented for bond eligibility meet strict legal criteria.
“We will require sureties to be sworn in court to confirm that the accused qualify to be released on bond,” stated Justice Nyakundi, as the court prepared to address the bond decision by Monday 2 December.
The prosecution, led by State counsel Fedha, provided documents outlining evidence to be presented in court, insisting on the need for thorough vetting by probation officers before any bond considerations.
Kandie’s family, who filled the courtroom, shared details about his last moments.
According to a police report, he was rushed to a hospital in Eldoret, where he was pronounced dead. The police found no signs of theft beyond Kandie's phone, adding to the mystery surrounding the crime.
Reports indicate that the suspects fled the scene shortly after the incident before their arrests.
Kandie competed in some of the world’s most prestigious marathons. In 1998 and 1999, he secured third-place finishes in the Berlin Marathon. The following year, he finished fourth in the Prague Marathon and third in the Amsterdam Marathon.
His breakthrough came in 2001, when he won both the Kunsan Marathon and the San Sebastian Marathon, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier long-distance runner. That same year, he represented Kenya in the World Championships in Edmonton, Canada, though he did not finish the marathon.
His most notable victory came in 2004, when he triumphed at the Vienna Marathon, clocking 2:08:35 despite adverse weather conditions. Kandie’s time shattered the previous course record held by Willy Cheruiyot.
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