The families of two night guards who were brutally murdered while on duty in Kericho County are demanding answers and justice following what they term a prolonged and unexplained delay in the investigation process.
Joseph Lang’at and Charles Kipkorir Rotich were killed on the night of November 19, 2024, while working as security personnel at the Roret Farmers Cooperative Society. Their deaths, reported under Occurrence Book (OB) Number 02/19/11/2024 at the Roret Police Station, shocked the local community and raised concerns about the safety of security workers in rural areas.
Since the double murder occurred, the affected families have made numerous efforts to obtain information on the progress of the case. However, they say their pleas have gone unanswered. Their frustration has now reached a boiling point, prompting them to take legal steps in pursuit of answers.
Represented by their legal counsel, Advocate Bernard Kipkoech Ngetich, the families have formally written to key authorities, including the Inspector General of Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. They are requesting a full disclosure of investigative actions taken and any findings related to the killings. Despite sending multiple letters and making follow-ups over the past months, the families allege that they have received no meaningful feedback or update from the responsible agencies.
In a recent communication, the lawyer issued a 14-day ultimatum to the authorities, demanding that they release a detailed report outlining the status of the investigation. He emphasized that the delay and lack of transparency have caused immense distress to the families, who continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones without closure or justice.
The letter cites “prolonged delay and lack of communication” as key issues that have left the families feeling abandoned by the justice system. It also stresses the importance of accountability and transparency in such cases, noting that failure to investigate and prosecute criminal acts undermines public confidence in law enforcement and judicial processes.
The families of the victims expressed deep concern that nearly six months since the murder, there appears to be no tangible progress or arrests made. They question whether the case is being handled with the seriousness it deserves and fear that the longer the delay continues, the harder it will be to secure justice.
Community members in Roret and surrounding areas have echoed the families’ sentiments, calling on the authorities to expedite investigations and bring those responsible to book. Local leaders have also urged the government to prioritize the safety of night guards and other vulnerable workers, who often operate in high-risk environments with limited protection.
The families remain hopeful that renewed public attention will prompt action. They believe that transparency and timely communication from law enforcement could provide the much-needed reassurance that the matter is being treated with the urgency it requires.
As the 14-day ultimatum approaches its deadline, the families are determined to pursue every available legal avenue to ensure that the deaths of Joseph Lang’at and Charles Kipkorir Rotich do not become another statistic in the long list of unresolved crimes. Their message is clear: justice delayed is justice denied, and they will not rest until accountability is served.
