Four suspects have been remanded in connection with the brutal killing of retired marathoner Samson Kandie at his home in Eldoret, as investigations into the shocking incident continue.
Four suspects linked to the brutal killing of retired marathoner Samson Kandie were arraigned in an Eldoret Court on Wednesday and ordered to be remanded for 14 days.
The quartet, which includes Kandie’s wife Rose Rotich, Jamlick Morogit, Kelvin Were, and Felix Murambi, is accused of playing a role in the murder of the former international athlete at his home in Eldoret on October 3, 2023.
The retired marathoner, a former Vienna City Marathon champion, was found hacked to death within his compound at the high-end Elgon View Estate in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
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The shocking murder has left the local community reeling, as Kandie was a well-known figure, not just in the sporting world, but in the local Eldoret community.
According to a police report, Kandie was attacked in his compound on the fateful night, with his family later discovering him bleeding and unresponsive.
They rushed him to Real Hospital, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The assailants are reported to have fled with his mobile phone, but no other belongings were taken, raising questions about the true motive behind the attack.
Investigating Officer Felix Chirchir revealed in court that the four suspects were arrested from various hideouts within Eldoret town, following an intense manhunt.
He told Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ireri that the suspects are believed to be the prime players behind the gruesome murder, which has left the nation in shock.
"Your honour, we fear that in the event you free the suspects on cash bail or bond, they are likely to interfere with our ongoing investigations into the murder. They are the prime suspects in this incident, and we are keen to gather all the necessary evidence to ensure justice for the late athlete," Chirchir argued in court.
The magistrate agreed with the police’s request, ordering that the suspects remain in custody at Langas Police Station for 14 days to allow for further investigations.
He also directed that all four undergo mental assessments at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) within the same period.
This legal move comes as the police work to piece together the full circumstances surrounding Kandie's death.
The motive behind the killing remains unclear, but investigators are leaving no stone unturned. The suspects' detention will allow authorities to further probe the events leading up to the murder, and whether Kandie's athletic success or personal relationships played any role in the incident.
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The case is set to be mentioned again in court on November 7, 2023, where new developments are expected to emerge as investigations continue.
Kandie, a celebrated Kenyan marathoner, had represented his country on the global stage.
He competed in the 2001 World Championships in Edmonton, Canada, though he did not finish the race.
His most notable achievements include winning the 2002 Sapporo Marathon and the 2004 Vienna Marathon.
Kandie also recorded podium finishes in marathons in Berlin, Prague, and Xiamen, solidifying his place as one of Kenya’s top marathoners during his active years.
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His career was characterized by perseverance and grit, with his personal best of 2:08:31 at the 1999 Berlin Marathon earning him third place.
It was a repeat of his strong performance at the same event in 1998, where he finished with a time of 2:09:11 once again in third place.