Athlete's murder: Four people including his widow arraigned in Eldoret

Four(4) people were arraigned in Eldoret over the murder of former Marathon athlete Samson Kandie.

Among the suspects is Kandie’s widow Rose Chepkemboi Rotich who is a clinical officer based in Baringo County.

Others include Jamlick Morogit, Kelvin Were, and Felix Murambi.

Kandie was found murdered early October at his high-end home in Elgon View Estate, Uasin Gishu County.

During the court proceedings, the investigating officer requested additional time, stating that more witness statements needed to be gathered.

The officer also stressed the necessity of conducting mental health evaluations on the suspects.

Additionally, the police believe that there are more suspects involved in the crime and are conducting a wider search to apprehend them.

Eldoret Senior Magistrate Peter Ireri who presided over the case, approved the request and ordered the four(4) suspects to remain in custody at the Langas Police Station in Eldoret.

The court scheduled November 7, 2024, for the case to be mentioned.

“This time is necessary for a thorough investigation and ensure we  utilize it to ensure we gather all the needed evidence,” stated the investigating officer.

Kandie,53, who was prided for his victories in the 2002 Sapporo and 2004 Vienna marathons, was found severely injured.

"His hands and legs had been tied up when we found him. He had not reported any threats to his life prior to the attack," said Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi.

Kandie's daughter, Vienna Kandie, told police that her father had called saying he was on his way home, but “did not arrive”.

She added that her mother called him and he said he was on his way home at about 7:30pm, but never arrived.

"A stranger later called my mother telling her to look for him (dad) behind the toilet where we found him," said Vienna. 

Kandie was found in a critical condition and died on arrival at a hospital in Eldoret.

The late Kandie was a podium finisher in the 1999 Berlin Marathon where he set his personal best time of 2:08:31.