An Eldoret court has allowed police to hold five suspects for 14 days as investigations continue into the murder of a hotel manager in the area.
Eldoret Resident Magistrate Naima Chelagat granted the police permission to keep Allan Kiprotich, Elvis Ambani, Jackson Sifuna, Fredrick Seroney and Betty Jeptoo in custody for 14 days.
The suspects include a couple who are believed to have been connected to the events surrounding the death.
The police requested more time to complete several parts of the investigation before the suspects are brought back to court.
Investigating Officer Eric Ruto told the court that officers needed time to recover the suspected murder weapon and arrest other people who may have been involved in the killing.
Police also want to record statements from witnesses and obtain communication data that could help establish what happened before and after the murder. Investigators further plan to collect blood samples from the suspects and send them to the Government Chemist for forensic examination.
The police also asked to have the suspects undergo mental status assessments as part of the ongoing investigation.
The victim, Sema, was found dead near Kipkorgot Centre, a short distance from his car. His body was discovered near a home where investigators suspect he may have been attacked and beaten before his death.
The incident is believed to have happened on the night of August 6, 2026, in the Kipkorgot area of Ainabkoi Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County.
Following their investigations, police traced the five suspects to the home of Allan Kiprotich Tuiyot and Betty Jeptoo Bii at Tuiyot Farm in Kipkorgot Location.
The arrest of the suspects has allowed investigators to begin further inquiries into their possible connection to the killing.
The police have not yet revealed the motive behind the murder or the exact role each of the suspects is alleged to have played. Investigators are expected to use forensic evidence, witness accounts and communication records to establish what happened on the night of the incident.
The court granted the 14-day period to allow the investigation to continue. The suspects are expected to remain in custody as police work to complete the pending inquiries.
The case will return to court on August 25, 2026, for further directions. Until investigations are completed and the matter is heard in court, the suspects remain innocent unless proven guilty.
