Ibrahim Rotich's murder trial, in which he is a key suspect in the death of International long distance runner Agnes Tirop, has taken a new twist after a witness testified in court that their domestic schism was caused by infidelity.
One of the witnesses, John Samoei, told the Eldoret High Court that the suspect told him he suspected his wife was having an extramarital affair with a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier.
He told the court that about two years ago, he received a call from Rotich asking for an urgent meeting at their Iten home.
According to Samoei, Rotich stated that they wanted to settle a domestic dispute over issues that he couldn't discuss over the phone.
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Samoei, an Eldoret town car dealer, testified in court that he has known the suspect for 11 years.
He claimed that 2015 the suspect introduced him to the late Tirop, claiming that the renowned runner was his wife.
He went on to tell the court that Rotich had asked him to speak with Tirop to reconcile their differences regarding the military officer who is said to be close to the deceased.
According to Samoei, after meeting Rotich in a hotel on the outskirts of Eldoret town, he discovered his friend was having marital problems with Tirop.
He told the court that he could arrange for Rotich and Agnes to meet at his home in Kesses for supper and work out their differences.
Rotich, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, is accused of committing the crime on October 13, 2021.
The Kenyan international athlete passed away just a month after setting the Women's 10 km World Record in Germany.
The case hearing has been rescheduled for December 15.
